Ben Franklin’s Quote

The quote suggests that when people experience difficult times, such as failures or losses, they tend to become more humble and wise.

This is because these experiences often teach valuable lessons and help people to gain a better understanding of themselves and the world around them.

A parable that illustrates this concept in a magical story

Kia

Once upon a time, in a far-off kingdom, there was a wise old master, Ben who had lived a long and eventful life. He had seen many things and had learned many valuable lessons.

One day, a young apprentice named Kia came to him, eager to learn all that the old master had to teach.

The master, seeing the eagerness in the young apprentice’s eyes, decided to take him on as his student.

Old Ben began by teaching his young apprentice about the ways of the world. He taught him about the importance of humility and wisdom and how they were necessary for success in life. Kia listened intently, eager to absorb all that his old master had to say.

One day, Kia decided to put his newfound knowledge to the test. He set out on a journey to prove himself to the world, determined to become the greatest hero the kingdom had ever seen.

Kia travelled far and wide, facing many challenges and overcoming many obstacles. He battled fierce monsters, saved damsels in distress, and defeated powerful sorcerers.

He became renowned throughout the land as a hero, and people sang his praises everywhere he went.

But despite his many successes, Kia was not content. He wanted more, he wanted to be the greatest master of all time. He became arrogant, believing that he knew everything there was to know about the world. He refused to listen to the advice of others, thinking that he was always right.

Kia’s pride eventually led to his downfall. He went into a battle that he was not ready for and was defeated. Kia was humiliated and lost all that he had gained. He was left alone with nothing but his wounds and his regrets.

Feeling defeated and alone, Kia returned to his old master, seeking his guidance. Old Ben took him in and nursed him back to health. And as he did, he began to teach Kia the lessons he had learned throughout his long and eventful life.

Old Ben explained to Kia that after crosses and losses, men grow humbler and wiser. He told him that it was not the victories that made a hero, but how one handled defeat. Old Ben said that humility and wisdom were the keys to true success in life.

Kia, humbled by his defeat, listened closely to his old master’s words. He realized that he had been foolish and that he had much to learn. Kia dedicated himself to studying under his old master, becoming a true student of the art of humility and wisdom.

As the years passed, Kia grew into a wise and powerful master. He travelled the land once more, but this time, he was not driven by pride or the desire for glory. He was driven by a desire to help others and to make the world a better place.

People once again sang his praises, but this time, it was not for his victories but for his wisdom and humility. He became not only a master but a leader and a teacher to others.

Kia had learned the true meaning of his old master’s words: “After crosses and losses men grow humbler and wiser.” He had learned that true success in life comes not from victories, but from the lessons we learn from our defeats.

Old Ben and Kia continued to live and teach together, passing down the wisdom of humility and wisdom to generations to come. And the kingdom flourished under their guidance, becoming a land of wise and humble heroes.

The End

The moral of the story demonstrates how humility and a willingness to learn can lead to success, while arrogance and pride can lead to failure. When we experience crosses and losses, we can choose to become humbler and wiser, or we can remain arrogant and continue to make the same mistakes.

Extract from the book; Master Ben and Kia the Young Apprentice: A book on moral values inspired by Ben Franklin – Volume 4

Ben-Kia.com