The Pear Tree

The problem with the world today is that people (as a whole) are rewarded and praised for things that they don't need praising for. They also get the same treatment as those who actually do work to obtain their goals. At one point, having a decent work ethic was a common thing and everyone worked for the goals that they had wanted to achieve. However, somewhere along the thing, those who didn't get the same attention as those who earned it, were pitied upon into receiving equal attention.

On paper, it seems like a very justifiable thing. Treating everyone equally and making sure that no one is feeling left out and thus no longer creating issues of self esteem or self worth. However, it actually does more harm then good.

It not only diminishes the accomplishments of those who actually do work hard, but it also prevents people who do not have any form of work ethic to not try any harder than just the bare minimum. Leaving people to continue to not pursue in anything knowing that they will be rewarded as the same as those who actually pull their weight. It's this low standard of quality that allows people to have such low expectations from themselves, but expect more from others.

If we start rewarding people for the accomplishments they have earned, then it will possibly make people want to strive to do better things and not mooch off others.

One such story that reflects this involves a dying king and his twin sons. One son, was a responsible young man who had worked hard for what he has had and didn't let his ranking as prince determine who he was. He never sought out special treatment and helped the commoners with their work. His name was Anthony.

The other son, Petro, did not have the same morals as that of his brother. He expected everyone to kiss the ground that he walked on. More than that, he never managed to do anything for himself. He milked the benefits of being the prince as much as he possibly could. When he didn't get his way, for what ever reason, he reminded everyone that he was the prince and that his word is law.

It's hard to say why these two brothers differed so much. They were both raised by the same parents and neither had received special treatment from the other one. Yet one was a benevolent prince kind to all and would be a magnificent king. The other was a spoiled brat who demanded everything that the kingdom could give him.

While the king had loved both of his sons, he had felt that Anthony was the rightful heir to his throne. Between his compassions for others and the hard work he put into the kingdom, it was the most logical decision. However, he didn't want to show favoritism towards either son.

One day the king had grown ill and was confined to bed rest. Anthony had came to his father's side and gave him some pear slices. He felt that it would be good for his condition. By doing this, the king had an idea that would not only prove Anthony's right to rule, but would show that he had not played favoritism with either son.

The next day, the king asked his sons to come to his bed side. He told them that Aesop would act as a stand in, due to the fact that they were both too young to rule. However, in order to prove which one would be deemed most worthy, he had his bed nurse give each of his sons a pear tree seed.

He told them that I want you boys to plant these seeds and take care of them. On their 18th birthday, he will inspect the trees and see which one would look healthier and more well taken care of. Since the boys were both 16 years old as of the day their father gave them the seeds, the boys had exactly 2 years to take care of these plants.

As expected, Anthony had done everything he need to make sure the plant was well taken care of. He dug the hole, watered it, gave it just the right amount of sun light and everything in between.

Just like it was expected of Petro to have the servants take care of it while he enjoyed the benefits of his title. The king had noticed this but had never addressed it to either son. Atleast he wouldn't have until it was the time to do so.

Many moons passed as it was the time of the brother's 18th birthday. The king had examined both trees. At first glance looked the same, the king had noticed the subtle differences in the plants and knew that Anthony had actually taken the time and energy to take care of his.

Later that day, the coronation of the next king came to pass. Petro was expecting to be king and clearly it showed. However, the king had declared that Anthony is the rightful choice to rule the kingdom. Petro was shocked by this and didn't understand why.

The king told him that he has noticed that Anthony has the traits of a hard working and kind individual which would be better for the kingdom overall. However, he didn't want to play favoritisms between either son so he gave them the chance to prove their worth as ruler by giving them each a pear seed. While they did look similar, the king had noticed the subtle differences in Anthony's tree. Not to mention the fact that Petro didn't do anything for his tree, but rather left it to his servants.

By doing this, the king had instilled a lesson that applied to both of his sons. Hard work pays off and anything worth having, is worth putting in the effort.