Every year, around 10% of the world’s population migrates in search of a better job, a new home, or true happiness.
AdmiGram.com shares an old and remarkable parable that teaches us where we should truly begin, even when embarking on the smallest of journeys.
An excellent parable about traveling
At the entrance of a city, an old man sat playing with his grandson. A steady stream of people passed by the city gates, each going about their own business. A traveler stopped by the old man and his grandson, set down his belongings, and asked:
“Grandfather, I am visiting your city for the first time. Judging by your gray hair, you have lived here for a long time. Can you tell me what kind of people live here?”
The old man looked up and replied, “What kind of people lived in the city you left behind?”
“Oh, it was a terrible place,” the traveler said. “A city full of mean, selfish, and envious people. Everyone wanted to hurt me and put me down. That’s why I left them and decided to find a better place to live.”
The old man adjusted his clothes and looked sadly at the young man.
“This city is just the same,” he said. “You will meet exactly the same people here as those you are trying to escape from. I’m sorry.”
The young man hesitated for a moment, thanked the old man for his answer, and continued on his way.
Some time later, another traveler approached the old man and his grandson. He asked the same question, wanting to know what kind of people lived beyond the city walls.
“And what kind of people lived in the city you left?” the old man asked.
“Oh, it was a pretty good place,” the traveler replied. “I had many friends, and people were kind, understanding, and compassionate. It was not easy for me to leave, but circumstances demanded it.”
“Well, young man,” the old man smiled, patting the traveler on the shoulder, “our city is quite a fine place, and here you will find just as wonderful and amazing people. Go on in!”
After the young man disappeared beyond the city gates, the grandson looked at his grandfather in confusion and asked:
“Grandpa, why did you give two completely different answers to the same question? Who did you lie to?”
The old man ruffled the boy’s hair and replied:
“Remember this, my boy. Those who couldn’t find anything good where they came from will find nothing good here either. But those who have managed to build their happiness will always find good people wherever they go. People are the same everywhere, but each of us has our own world in our hearts. And we see in others only what lives within us.”
