Once upon a time, there was a wise old man who lived in a small village. Known for his insightful advice, people often came to him with their problems. One day, a young man approached the old man, frustrated and disheartened. “I feel empty,” the young man confessed. “I spend all my time working for myself, but it seems like my life has no meaning.”
The wise man listened carefully and then handed the young man two objects: a small mirror and a transparent glass windowpane. He asked, “What do you see when you look into the mirror?”
The young man replied, “I see myself.”
The old man nodded. “Now, look through this glass windowpane. What do you see?”
The young man looked through the glass and said, “I see the world—trees, birds, and people.”
The old man smiled gently and said, “Both the mirror and the windowpane are made of the same material. But the mirror is coated with silver, making it reflective. This coating blocks you from seeing beyond yourself. Similarly, when we focus only on material gain and self-interest, it’s like putting a silver coating over our hearts. We become blind to the needs of others and the beauty of the world around us.”
The young man was silent, absorbing the lesson.
The old man continued, “Remove the silver coating, and you can see beyond yourself. True happiness and fulfillment come not from looking inward but from looking outward—helping others, understanding their struggles, and sharing their joys.”
Inspired by the old man’s wisdom, the young man decided to change his approach to life. He started volunteering in his community, helping the needy and sharing his time with others. Slowly, the emptiness he once felt disappeared, replaced by a sense of purpose and joy.
Key Takeaway:
- When we focus solely on ourselves, we miss the beauty and opportunities that lie in helping others.
- Like removing the silver coating from the mirror, selflessness allows us to see the world more clearly.
- True happiness comes from making a difference in the lives of others and being part of something greater than ourselves.
So, the next time you find yourself staring into the mirror, remember to also look out the window.
