This Too Shall Pass (Motivational Story) | Catalyst.

Summary

A young man's journey across a desert leads him to Isaac, a hospitable man who offers wisdom with the phrase 'This too shall pass.' The traveler encounters Isaac in three stages of life: as a wealthy host, a humble servant, and finally, at his grave, where the phrase is engraved. This encounter teaches the man that life's joys and sorrows are transient, and the only constant is change. The story concludes with the man sharing this wisdom with a grieving king, emphasizing the importance of living in the present.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Life is a journey full of searching for wisdom and meaning.
• 🏡 Acts of kindness can be found even in the most unexpected places, like the small village and Isaac's mansion.
• 🕰️ Everything in life is temporary, whether good or bad, as highlighted by Isaac's phrase 'this too shall pass.'
• 😔 Misfortune, like Isaac losing his home to a flood, does not define a person’s kindness or generosity.
• 😊 Despite hardships, Isaac remained kind and hospitable, showing that character is not dictated by wealth or status.
• 💍 The phrase 'this too shall pass' teaches acceptance of both joy and sorrow, as they are fleeting.
• 🔄 Change is the only constant in life, and everything, including both happiness and sorrow, is transient.
• 😢 Loss and grief, such as the death of Isaac and the destruction of his grave, are inevitable parts of life.
• 👑 The wise man’s understanding of life’s impermanence helped ease the king’s grief after the loss of his wife and child.
• 🌟 The moral of the story encourages living consciously, appreciating the present moment, and embracing both ups and downs in life.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the story?

The central theme of the story is the transient nature of life. The phrase 'this too shall pass' emphasizes that both good and bad experiences are temporary, and change is the only constant.

Why was the young boy traveling across the desert?

The young boy was traveling across the desert in search of wisdom and the meaning of life.

What role does Isaac play in the boy's journey?

Isaac provides the boy with food and shelter during his travels and becomes a symbol of kindness and resilience in the face of life's changes.

What lesson did Isaac try to teach the boy by saying 'this too shall pass'?

Isaac was teaching the boy that all experiences, whether good or bad, are temporary. Life is full of ups and downs, and nothing remains the same forever.

How did the boy react when he found Isaac working as a servant?

The boy was shocked and saddened to find Isaac, once wealthy and kind, working as a servant in rags. However, Isaac maintained his calm demeanor, reminding the boy once again that 'this too shall pass.'

What did the man realize after visiting Isaac's grave and seeing the inscription 'this too shall pass'?

The man realized the profound truth that everything in life is impermanent, including his dear friend's existence. Even Isaac's grave, like everything else, would eventually be washed away.

Why did the wise man send the ring to the king, and what was engraved on it?

The wise man sent the ring to the king, who had requested an inscription that could comfort him during grief. The ring was engraved with the words 'this too shall pass,' reminding the king that even sorrow will eventually fade.

What impact did the ring's engraving have on the king?

The engraving 'this too shall pass' brought the king bittersweet relief, making him smile through his tears. It reminded him that both joy and sorrow are temporary.

How does the story explain the importance of living in the present?

The story emphasizes that because everything in life is temporary, people should live in the present, consciously embracing both the good and bad moments without attachment.

What message does the story convey about dealing with life's challenges?

The story encourages resilience by reminding people that difficult times will pass. It also cautions against becoming too attached to moments of happiness, as they too are fleeting.