There was once a young man who was eager to learn the ways of wisdom and success. He had heard of a famous master, known for his deep knowledge and insight, who lived in a nearby village. One day, the young man decided to visit the master to seek guidance.
When the young man arrived, he immediately began talking about all the things he had learned and all the books he had read. He wanted to impress the master with his knowledge and show how much he already knew. The master listened patiently, nodding as the young man spoke non-stop about his accomplishments, ideas, and plans.
After a while, the master quietly offered the young man a cup of tea. He began to pour tea into the cup, and even when the cup was full, the master continued to pour. The tea spilled over the edges, onto the table, and eventually onto the floor.
Startled, the young man exclaimed, “Master! The cup is overflowing! It can’t hold any more tea!”
The master smiled and said, “Just like this cup, you are full of your own thoughts, knowledge, and ideas. If you are already so full, how can I teach you anything new? To learn, you must first empty your cup.”
The young man, realizing his mistake, grew quiet. He understood that wisdom does not come from how much you already know, but from being open to learning, listening, and making space for new ideas.
Moral of the story:
In the workplace, no matter how much experience or knowledge you have, it’s important to stay open to learning. Like the overflowing cup, if we are too full of our own opinions and ideas, we leave no room for growth or new insights. True wisdom comes from being humble and receptive to learning from others. ☕💡
