Trust in the Tube
Once upon a time, there was a student at a famous martial arts school, where one didn’t just learn to fight, but also to live by values like honor, discipline, and trust. The student had trained hard for many years and made great progress. One day, he went to his master and said: "Master, I have worked hard and learned everything you have taught me so far. When will you finally teach me the secret, deadly techniques I’ve heard about? I am ready." The master looked at him for a long time, stayed silent for a moment, and then slowly nodded. "I will think about it and consult my own master for advice," he said."We only teach the secret techniques to students we can completely trust." The master took a wooden tube from the wall, put some papers inside, sealed it,and handed it to the student." Go to my master. He is waiting for you. Give him this tube and be careful with it. Do not open it. This is a test, even if I cannot tell you what kind." The student bowed, accepted the tube, and set out on his journey. At first, he was proud. This was his moment. But the longer he walked, the more doubt gnawed at him."Why am I not allowed to look inside? What could be in there? Maybe it’s the secret techniques! If I read them before I arrive, I can surprise my master!" His curiosity grew and grew. On a lonely path, he stopped, looked around to make sure no one was watching, and slowly slid the lid off the tube. He peered inside…and before he could even react, a small mouse darted out of the tube. The little animal disappeared into the bushes. The student froze. He looked into the empty tube, then at the vanished mouse and understood. He had broken his master’s trust. His honor, his patience, and his reliability had been tested and he had failed. With a heavy heart, he continued his way to the old master. When he arrived and handed over the empty tube,the old master looked him in the eyes and said only: "A hand that cannot resist its own curiosity cannot wield a sword that guards secrets."
Food for thought
Sometimes, life does not test you on what you already know, but on how well you can wait.
Mouse freed from the tube by curiosity and the sword turns against you.