Leo Tolstoy a contemplative prolific Russian writer has authored gobs of novels, short stories, plays and essays. Tolstoy's awe-inspiring heap of literary works sees a tinge of his pensive conscience. His works are full of noble ideas, moral lessons and spiritual enlightenment. Liam O'Flaherty was an Irish novelist and a short story writer. It is interesting to note that Flaherty started his career as a soldier and participated in World War 1. Thereafter he himself has bitterly criticized war and owing to the fact that pen is mightier than sword he took to it! 'How much land does a man need' by Tolstoy and 'The sniper' by O'Flaherty are both exceptionally astounding short stories drafted in simple language yet having a profound mettle. Both the stories talk about the fundamental human nature and aim to shroud their readers' ignorance! 'How much land does a man need' talks about the cupidity of men. At its inceptions the two sisters elicit the pros and cons of rural and urban life. Milieu molds the mind! The younger sister being influenced by the rural setup and the elder by the urban try to laud their ways of life. Humans are always inclined towards their belongings whether material or abstract! Also not all think alike for every coin has two sides! The perception and attitude is all that makes people distinct. 'The sniper' points to the futility of warfare where people of the 'same country' are hostile towards each other due to the disagreement. The Free Staters being contended with the partition of Ireland rage a war against the members of the IRA (Irish Republican Army) as they were in favor of an undivided nation. It is quite apparent that humans 'vehemently' promote their own ideals and want 'em to be thrust upon the others. Pakhom complained about the frivolous measure of land that he had. Pakhom got fooled by the evanescent world and gave into avarice as many of the 'vegetating corpses' do! The Irish civil war wouldn't have t