The Three Races

In old times, fable retells the story of the young
athletic boy hungry for success, for whom winning
was everything and success was measured by
such a result.

One day, the boy was preparing himself for a
running competition in his small native village,
himself and two other young boys to compete. A
large crowd had congregated to witness the
sporting spectacle and a wise old man, upon
hearing of the little boy, had travelled far to bear
witness also.

The race commenced, looking like a level heat at
the finishing line, but sure enough the boy dug deep
and called on his determination, strength and
power… he took the winning line and was first.
The
crowd was ecstatic and cheered and waved at the
boy. The wise man remained still and calm,
expressing no sentiment. The little boy, however,
felt proud and important.

A second race was called, and two new young, fit,
challengers came forward, to run with the little boy.

The race was started and sure enough the little boy
came through and finished first once again. The
crowd was ecstatic again and cheered and waved
at the boy.

The wise man remained still and calm,
again expressing no sentiment. The little boy,
however, felt proud and important.
“Another race, another race!” – pleaded the little
boy.

The wise old man stepped forward and presented
the little boy with two new challengers, an elderly
frail lady and a blind man. “What is this?” – quizzed
the little boy. “This is no race.” – he exclaimed.
“Race!” – said the wise man. The race was started
and the boy was the only finisher, the other two
challengers left standing at the starting line.

 The
little boy was ecstatic, he raised his arms in delight.
The crowd, however, was silent showing no
sentiment toward the little boy.
“What has happened? Why don’t the people join in
my success?” – he asked the wise old man.
“Race again”, replied the wise man, “this time,
finish together, all three of you, finish together.” –
continued the wise man.

The little boy thought a little, stood in the middle of
the blind man and the frail old lady, and then took
the two challengers by the hand. The race began
and the little boy walked slowly, ever so slowly, to
the finishing line and crossed it.

 The crowd were
ecstatic and cheered and waved at the boy. The
wise man smiled, gently nodding his head. The little
boy felt proud and important.
“Old man, I don’t understand! Who are the crowd
cheering for? Which one of us three?” – asked the
little boy.

The wise old man looked into the little boy’s eyes,
placing his hands on the boy’s shoulders, and
replied softly, “Little boy, for this race you have
won much more than in any race you have ever ran
before, and for this race the crowd cheer not for
any winner!”