The Meaning of True Wealth
There was a girl whose family was very wealthy. One day her father took her on a trip to the country where he aimed to show his daughter how poor people live. So they arrived at a farm of a very poor family. They spent several days there. On their return, the father asked his daughter, if she liked the trip.
Oh, it was great, dad – the girl replied.
Did you notice how poor people live? – the father asked.
Yeah, I did. – said the girl.
The father asked his daughter to tell in more detail about her impressions from their trip.
Well…we have only one dog and they have four of them. In our garden there is a pool while they have a river that has no end. We’ve got expensive lanterns, but they have stars above their heads at night. We have the patio and they have the whole horizon….the daughter replied in delight.
She further added…. We have only a small piece of land while they have the endless fields. We buy food, but they grow it. We have a high fence for protection of our property and they don‘t need it, as their friends protect them.
The father was stunned. He could not say a word.
Then the girl added…Thank you, dad, for letting me see how poor we are.
This story shows that true wealth as well as happiness is not measured by material things. Love, friendship and freedom are far more valuable.
