THE PARABLE OF HONESTY

It is said that, long ago, there were two close young friends who always treated each other well. One was named Intelligent, and the other was named Honest. One day, the two friends boarded a boat to go on a journey together.

However, while they were on the boat at sea, they encountered a fierce storm with strong winds. The boat they were on was quickly capsized. The rescue boat had only one spot available, and when the young man named Intelligent saw the situation, he quickly climbed onto the rescue boat, pushing his friend into the water.

The young man named Honest was fortunate to survive the disaster. He was swept ashore to a small, deserted island. Honest was terrified and confused, but with no other option, he sat on the sandy shore, waiting for rescue.

Soon, in the distance, a boat with cheerful music approached. Honest immediately stood up, looking towards the boat with music, and felt overjoyed as the boat was heading toward the deserted island. He saw that the boat had a flag with the words “Elated”.

Honest shouted loudly, “Elated! Elated! I am Honest. Please rescue me!”

Upon hearing the call, the boat responded, “No, no! If I were truly Honest, I wouldn’t be able to be elated. Just look around the world—how many people, by being honest, do not find happiness or joy?” After saying this, the boat turned and sailed away.

Some time later, another small boat named “Status” appeared. Honest quickly called out, “Status! Status! I am Honest. Can you take me home?”

Upon hearing this, the boat quickly turned away and said, “No, no! I cannot take you on my boat. My status was not easily earned, and if I let you aboard, I would struggle to maintain my position!”

Honest, feeling deeply disappointed, watched the boat leave, his heart full of confusion and misunderstanding. He continued to wait on the beach of the deserted island.

A long time passed, and yet another boat approached. This boat was named “Competition.” As soon as Honest saw it, he called out loudly, “Competition! Competition! I am Honest. Can you take me on your boat to go home?”

Just like the previous boats, upon hearing this, the boat immediately rejected him: “Don’t bring trouble to me! The world is so fiercely competitive right now. If I have you with me, how can I compete with others?” After saying this, the boat immediately left.

After a while, a sudden thunderstorm occurred, with lightning flashing across the sky and strong winds whipping up the sea. Just as Honest was in his darkest moment, he suddenly heard a warm and familiar voice: “Young man! Come aboard!”

Honest looked up and recognized the voice as that of the old man Time. He asked, “Why are you saving me?”

The old man Time smiled and replied, “Only Time can prove how important honesty truly is!”

On the journey back home, the old man Time pointed to the overturned boats in the sea, on which were the names Intelligent, Elation, Status, and Competition. He then solemnly said, “Without Honesty, Intelligence will only harm itself, Elation will not last, Status is but a facade, and Competition will ultimately fail!”