Once a merchant on a casual stroll through the market came across a fine specimen of a camel for sale. The merchant thought this camel would be a great addition to his caravan. The merchant and the seller both skilled negotiators, struck a hard bargain. The seller, pleased with the price parted with the camel, and the merchant proud of his fantastic bargain walked home with the latest addition to his large livestock.
On arriving home, the merchant called his servant to help him take out the camel’s saddle. The unwieldy heavily padded saddle was too difficult for the servant to manage on his own. The servant found a small velvet pouch hidden under the saddle. To his surprise, the pouch was filled with precious jewels.
The servant burst with excitement and said to his master –
“Master, you bought a camel but see what came FREE along with it! “
The master was astonished as he looked at the jewels in his servant’s palm. They were sparkling bright in the sunlight. They were of extraordinary quality and looked expensive.
“I only bought the camel,” he said. “ I must return the jewels to the camel seller immediately.”
The servant was appalled hearing this. He thought, his master was foolish.
“Master, No one will know,” said the servant.
But the master had made up his mind. He headed right back to the market and handed over the velvet pouch to the camel seller. The camel seller was very happy.
“I had forgotten that I hid the jewels in the saddle for safekeeping. Here, choose one of the jewels for yourself as a reward.”
The merchant replied –
“I paid a fair price for the camel and camel only, so NO thank you, I do not need any reward.”
But as much as the merchant refused, the camel seller insisted. Finally, the merchant said sheepishly smiling –
“Actually when I decided to bring the pouch back to you, I already took two of the most precious jewels and kept them for myself.”
At this confession, the camel seller was a bit flabbergasted and quickly emptied the pouch to count the jewels. However, he was very confused and asked –
“All my jewels are here intact. What jewels did you keep?”
“The two most precious jewels, My Integrity, and my Self-Respect, “ said the merchant.
Wisdom Bite
One of the definitions of Integrity says –
“Doing the right thing or choosing to do the right thing even when no one is seeing.”
But today, Integrity and honesty are rare qualities to find. It is common to see people compromising their morals and ethics for sake of money, fame, and to move ahead in life.
We see corruption everywhere because two of these important virtues are vanishing. How can we then teach and imbibe these qualities in our children? It is our behavior and actions that will shape and mold the next generation.
An important question to ask ourselves and answer it honestly is –
“What would I do in place of the merchant?”
October 27, 2020
The story is indeed very inspiring and written is a very simple and lucid way. Deeply appreciate your effort to put it here for all of us. Thank you!!!
October 27, 2020
Thank you for your appreciation. 🙏. Please share with your friends and family so they can read and get inspired too.
October 15, 2020
Brilliant . We should always be out on a limb… And never compromise on integrity.