A king always worried about doing the right thing. He announced, 'Whoever answers my three questions will get a great reward: When is the right time to act? Who is the most important person? What is the most important work?'
Wise men gave many clever answers, but none satisfied him. So the king went to meet a simple old hermit who lived on a hill.
The hermit was digging his garden. He was weak, so the king took the spade and dug for him. Hours passed.
Suddenly, a wounded stranger came running and collapsed. The king washed his wound and cared for him all night. By morning, the man was safe.
The stranger opened his eyes and said, 'Forgive me. I came here to harm you, King — I was your enemy. But you saved my life. From today, I am your friend forever.' The king was amazed — his kindness had ended an old enmity.
The king asked the hermit, 'You saw everything. Now please, answer my three questions.' The hermit smiled, 'You already answered them yourself.'
'The most important time is NOW — it is the only time you have any power. The most important person is WHOEVER IS BESIDE YOU right now. And the most important work is TO DO THEM GOOD.'
'If you had not helped me dig, you would have left early and been harmed. If you had not helped the stranger, you would still have an enemy. Now, here, this person — that is the whole secret of life.'
💛 What this story teaches
The most important time is now. The most important person is the one beside you. The most important work is to do good to them.