When Alexander the Great returned from India, he went to meet a sage.
Seeing Alexander approaching, the sage began to laugh. Alexander felt insulted and said, “Either you don’t know who I am, or your death has come near! Don’t you know who I am? I am the great Alexander!”
Hearing this, Sage laughed even louder and said, “I see no greatness in you. To me, you appear poor and helpless.”
Alexander, surprised, asked, “Are you mad? I have conquered the entire world!”
Sage replied, “That means nothing. You are still just an ordinary human being. Let me ask you something – suppose you are lost in a desert. There is no source of water around you, not even a hint of greenery. You are dying of thirst. In that condition, what part of your empire would you be willing to give for a glass of water?”
Alexander thought for a while and said, “I would give half of my kingdom.”
Sage smiled and said, “And if the person refuses to give it for half your kingdom?”
Alexander replied, “Then I would give my entire kingdom for that one glass of water.”
Sage laughed again and said, “So the true worth of your great empire is merely a single glass of water and yet you are so filled with pride. When the time comes, even your whole kingdom won’t be enough to buy one glass of water.
Then, cry out in the desert all you want, ‘I am Great Alexander! I am Great Alexander!’ – no one will hear you. All your greatness is just an illusion.”
Learning:
We must never be arrogant or proud. Wealth is not everything. If you truly want to use your wealth wisely, serve the poor and help those in need. By doing so, you will always have the blessings of God.
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