Story Sharing

Once upon a time, people from a small country came to China and presented three identical golden statues as tribute, much to the emperor's delight. However, these people were not entirely honest and posed a challenge: which of these three golden statues holds the most value? The emperor tried numerous methods, consulted jewelers for inspection, weighed them, and examined their craftsmanship, but they were all identical. What to do? The envoy was waiting to report back. Surely, a great nation like China wouldn't be stumped by such a trivial matter? Finally, an old minister who had retired offered a solution. The emperor invited the envoy to the grand hall, and the minister confidently presented three straws. He inserted a straw into the ear of the first golden statue, and it emerged from the other ear. For the second statue, the straw fell out of its mouth. For the third statue, the straw went in and fell into its belly, making no sound. The minister declared, "The third golden statue is the most valuable!" The envoy remained silent, acknowledging the correct answer. This story teaches us that the most valuable person isn't necessarily the one who talks the most. Heaven gave us two ears and one mouth, implying we should listen more and speak less. Being a good listener is a fundamental quality of a mature individual.