Story Summary
Discover the lesson of The Obstacle in Our Path, where a king tests his subjects with a boulder, revealing that challenges often hide life's greatest rewards.
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a busy roadway. He then hid himself nearby to see if anyone would remove the massive rock. Some of the King’s wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything to move the stone. Finally, a peasant came along carrying a heavy load of vegetables. Upon reaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and attempted to push the stone to the side of the road. After much straining and effort, he finally succeeded. When the peasant returned to pick up his vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King explaining that the gold was for the person who removed the obstacle from the path.
The Moral
Every obstacle we encounter presents an opportunity to improve our circumstances through hard work and persistence.
“Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve one's condition.”
Fun Fact
This story is a staple in modern motivational speaking and was famously popularized in the business world to illustrate the 'Growth Mindset.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Obstacle in Our Path?
The moral is that every challenge or obstacle provides an opportunity to improve one's condition. While others complain, those who take action and persevere are the ones who find the hidden rewards.
Who placed the boulder in the road and why?
The King placed the boulder in the road as a test. He wanted to see which of his subjects had the character and initiative to solve a problem rather than just complaining about it.
What did the peasant find under the boulder?
The peasant found a purse filled with gold coins. Along with the money was a note from the King explaining that the reward was specifically for the person who took the time to move the stone.
How did the wealthy merchants react to the obstacle?
The wealthy merchants and courtiers simply walked around the boulder. Instead of helping, they chose to criticize the King for the poor state of the roads, showing a lack of personal responsibility.
What does the boulder represent in the story?
The boulder represents the difficulties and frustrations we face in daily life. It symbolizes how people choose to either avoid problems or confront them to find growth.
Is The Obstacle in Our Path a true story?
It is a classic teaching story or parable found in various cultures. While it may not be a specific historical event, its wisdom has been used for centuries to teach leadership and resilience.
