Confucius had three disciples - Gong, Lu and Zhang. Once a wandering monk asked him:
– What about your student Goon?
- He is so clever that even the most eminent scientists admire him.
– And what are Lou's merits?
– His bravery surpasses the courage of even the most famous warriors.
– And your third student?
– Zhang's hard work is admirable.
The monk was surprised to hear these words of the great Confucius and asked him:
– But if one is so clever, another so brave, and the third so industrious, what else can they learn from you, teacher?
"Gun is smart, but lazy," began Confucius. "Lou is brave but foolish." And Zhang is hardworking but envious. Gun still does not know that the mind cannot bring happiness to a person if he is lazy. Lou has yet to learn that boldness without reason leads to doom. And Zhang must understand that joy cannot coexist with envy. So, as you can see, my students don't know anything yet. And until they understand these truths, I will be their teacher and they will be my students.
See also: Blessed is he that giveth..
The parable is part of the collection "THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE. 150 PARABLES ON THE ART OF LIVING", Gnezdoto publishing house
Read more: Maria Montessori's Magnificent Rules of Education