I don’t know why, but I’m compelled to share this story, so here goes:
“Once upon a time, a young traveller wandered into a strange land.
The inhabitants of the land befriended the traveller– they provided him with food, shelter, and the necessities of life plus a few of the luxuries. Since they were kind to him, they told him to stay away from one field that was inhabited by monsters. They were earnest in their warnings.
The traveller’s curiosity was too powerful for him. One day, while alone, he wandered into the field to see what monsters were there. He was surprised to find that the “monsters” were watermelons. He didn’t understand how the people had decided that the watermelons were monsters, but he would show the people that they had nothing to fear from the “monsters.”
The traveller cut the vine of a large watermelon, carried the watermelon from the field into the village and ate the watermelon to demonstrate how harmless it was.
The people were terrified. This stranger was a bigger monster than the monsters that lived in the field. In horror, they killed the stranger.
Years later, another traveller wandered into the same strange land.
The inhabitants of the land befriended this traveller as well. They provided him with food, shelter, and the necessities of life plus a few of the luxuries. Since they were kind to the traveller, they told him to stay away from the one field that was inhabited by monsters. They were earnest in their warnings.
This traveller’s curiosity also was too powerful for him. One day, while alone, he wandered into the field to see what monsters were there. He was surprised to find that the “monsters” were watermelons. He didn’t understand how the people had decided that the watermelons were monsters.
However, he was a traveller experienced in the way of people and without hesitation, he drew his sword, spurred his horse, jumped over the gate, and galloped across the field, slashing away in all directions. There were bits of watermelon everywhere.
All the village rejoiced as the traveller came back down the hill and reported that their monster was dead.
This traveller stayed just long enough in the village to educate the villagers on the difference between melons and monsters”.
Hope you enjoyed the story 😊.
Nice story! The second traveller has learned the importance of “no influence” in his relation to others…and ironically, he was the one who has the most influence on them! Great metaphore, thanks Allan!
Interesting story! lol
Great Lesson. Thank you. You’ve got me curious on the story… and the process.
Now that watermelons have been genetically modified to not have seeds, Allan, one wonders if perhaps they are “monsters.” Entertaining post! 🙂
Thanks for the story. It is important to respect the customs of the locals, I see:)
Interesting post on perspective and being the observer.