An author was walking down the street when he noticed a laborer hammering stones into the pavement. Approaching the laborer, he said, "My friend, you seem weary. Ambition is a hard taskmaster."
The laborer paused for a moment and replied, "I'm working for Mr. Jones, sir."
"Well, cheer up," the author continued. "Fame comes at the most unexpected times. Today you are poor, obscure, and disheartened, but tomorrow the world may be ringing with your name."
The laborer looked up, skeptical, and said, "What are you giving me? Cannot an honest pavior perform his work in peace, earn his money, and make a living without others talking nonsense about ambition and hopes of fame?"
"Cannot an honest writer?" the author countered, a smile playing on his lips.
The story conveys that fulfillment and dignity can be found in honest, diligent work, regardless of societal notions of ambition and fame.
Discussion questions
- What does the Labourer’s response to the Author reveal about his values?
- How does society's view of success influence our personal goals?
- Can you share a real-life story where hard work led to fulfillment, even if it did not result in fame?
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Good night.
Tomorrow night: The Fox and the Crane
