The Three Abilities
One day, the village wise man heard
about a visitor from a neighboring
village who was coming to visit him. The
visitor was coming to inquire about a
rumor he'd heard regarding the three
abilities. He was said to be a greedy
man who always wanted more than everyone
else; so, after hearing about the three
abilities that hold the secret to a
meaningful life, he
decided that he must acquire them for
himself.
While traveling to see the wise man,
the visitor's mind wandered to thoughts
of what the three abilities might be.
Maybe, he thought, one would be the
ability to rule over mankind. Or maybe,
one is the ability to change the world.
Could it be, he thought, the ability to
win the praises of my fellow villagers?
He could hardly contain his excitement;
how great and mighty he felt he would
be, if only those were the abilities.
The visitor finally gained audience
with the wise man and eagerly asked,
"Is it true that there are three
abilities that hold the secret to a
meaningful life? And,
if so, how can I acquire them?"
The wise man gazed thoughtfully at
the eager visitor for a moment and then
responded, "Yes, these three
abilities do exist…and they are
meaningful only to people of
greatness."
The visitor hurriedly assured the
wise man, "Oh yes, I am a man of
true greatness. The three abilities will
not be wasted by sharing them with
me."
Leaning toward the visitor with
narrowed eyes the wise man uttered,
"Then you must pay very close
attention; for these abilities are
greater than all others in their
capacity to influence humanity."
The greedy visitor nodded in
anticipation.
"The first of these great
abilities is the ability to rule over
man; the man is yourself, and the
ability is responsibility. The second is
the ability to be answerable and liable
for the changes over man; again, the man
is yourself, and the ability is
accountability. The third of these
abilities is the ability to win the
praise of your fellow villagers because
you are believable when you speak; this
ability is credibility."
The visitor sat back, mumbling to
himself, "Responsibility,
accountability, credibility…" As
the realization of the message sunk in,
he jumped to his feet and exclaimed,
"This isn't what I expected at all!
You're not giving me something I can
acquire; these are things I'd have to
do-all the time! Who on earth would have
the stomach for such tasks?" And
with that he turned on his heel with a
huff and strode home.
The wise man smiled to himself and
said, "Men of greatness have the
stomach for they are those with the
capability to exercise the three
abilities."
V.P. Mosser
©2001-2005 V.P. Mosser
You're welcome to use this article in
your Ezine or website as long as you
include this blurb.
Successful entrepreneur, V.P. Mosser is
the creator of the Learn the Lessons
Series, the Life's Journey publication
and numerous thought-provoking articles.
To learn more and receive free chapters
or issues, visit http://www.learnthelessons.com
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