Somewhere in a little village lived a man with three sons. The boys grew, and the man got older. One day they all sat down at the table, and the man held a little ancient hook in his hand.
"Father, what's the point of keeping this? It's too old; it will easily break! You should replace it with a new one," asserted the oldest.
"Oh, we can find a use for this someday," endorsed his second son. "Plus, it's a memory."
"Why are you keeping it, father? Is there a purpose?" asked the youngest.
The old man took a deep breath and said, "I want all of you to go into the big world and see if you can find anything to hold onto. Go on your journey, and may God be with you!"
The next morning all three sons left, turning each one to a different road.
After many years, they returned home and sat down to tell their stories. The oldest started.
"I found my connection to this world. I used my talent to speak eloquently and to prove my opinion to others. Confronted by my opponents, I fought and overcame. I stood up for my rights in every situation, and many people approved of me. I could manage a difficult debate, presenting surprising arguments. People esteemed me as a brilliant personality. I became accepted, valued, and even admired."
The old man shook his head and said, "They will exalt you, and they will reject you, for this is the habit of men."
Then the second son presented his story.
"I knew I'm talented and intelligent, but I chose the other way.
I always decided to give way to other people, giving up all my rights, opinions, and feelings. In every situation, I tried to keep the people around me so they would like me and want to be my friends. And I succeeded. Many others appreciated me. They all considered me a helping and a very caring person."
The old man shook his head again and said, "They will use you, and they will forget you, for this is the habit of men."
Then the youngest son opened his mouth and said,
"I have to confess, father. I was not preoccupied with connecting to other people, even though true friendship and love are very dear to me. You wished God would be with us, and I treasured His company throughout my journey. In every situation, I wanted to make sure that my words and actions aligned with what I knew to be true. His divine approval is what I hold on to."
The old man smiled and quietly said, "This connection will carry you much further than any place in our big world. This connection is an eternal treasure."