“Race again,” replied the wise man, “this time, finish together, all three of you, finish together”
Written by Darren Edwards
In old times, fable retells the story of the young athletic boy hunger for success, for whom winning was everything and success was measured by such a result. One day, he was preparing for a competition in his small native village, himself and two other young boys to compete. A large crowd had congregated to witness the sporting spectacle and a wise old man, upon hearing of the little boy, had travelled far to bear witness also.
The race commenced, looking like a level heat at the finishing line, but the boy dug deep and called on his determination, strength and power. He took the winning line and was first. The crowd was ecstatic and cheered and waved at the boy. The wise man remained still and calm, expressing no sentiment. The little boy, however, felt proud and important.
A second race was called, and two new young, fit, challengers came forward. The race started and sure enough the little boy finished first again. The crowd was ecstatic and cheered and waved at the boy. The wise man remained still and calm, again expressing no sentiment.
The little boy, however, felt proud and important.
“Another race, another race!” pleaded the little boy. The wise old man stepped forward and presented the little boy with two new challengers, an elderly frail lady and a blind man. “What is this?” quizzed the little boy. “This is no race.” “Race!” said the wise man.
The race was started and the boy was the only finisher, the other two challengers left standing at the starting line. The little boy was ecstatic, he raised his arms in delight. The crowd, however, was silent showing no sentiment toward the little boy. “What has happened? Why do the people not join in my success?” he asked the wise old man.
“Race again,” replied the wise man, “this time, finish together, all three of you, finish together.”
The little boy thought a little, stood in the middle of the blind man and the frail old lady, and then took them by the hand. The race began and the little boy walked slowly, ever so slowly, to the finishing line and crossed it. The crowd were ecstatic and cheered and waved at the boy. The wise man smiled, gently nodding his head. The little boy felt proud and important.
“Old man, I understand not! Who are the crowd cheering for? Which one of us there?” asked the little boy’s eyes, placing his hands on the boy’s shoulders, and replied softly, “Little boy, for this race you have won much more than in any race you have ever ran before, and for this race the crowd cheer not for any winner!”
