Ben Franklin’s Quote

This quote suggests that we should constantly strive to improve ourselves and overcome our own weaknesses and bad habits, while also maintaining a peaceful and harmonious relationship with those around us.

A parable that illustrates this concept in a magical story

Once upon a time, in a kingdom far away, there was an old master named Ben. He was a wise and respected teacher who had trained many young apprentices in the ways of wisdom and virtue.
 
One day, a young student named Kia came to the old master, seeking to learn from him. Kia was eager to learn, but he was also filled with doubts and fears. He had always struggled with his vices, and he wasn’t sure he had what it took to become a true warrior of virtue like the old master, Ben.

Old Ben saw the potential in Kia, and he took him on as his apprentice. He taught Kia the ways of wisdom and virtue, and he also taught him the importance of being at war with his vices, while being at peace with his neighbours.
 
“Kia, my dear apprentice,” said old Bn, “you must always be at war with your vices. They are your enemies, and you must fight them every day. You must strive to overcome your weaknesses and to become the best version of yourself.”
 
Kia listened carefully to his old master’s words, and he began to work hard to overcome his vices. Kia practiced self-discipline, and he learned to control his emotions. He worked hard to become a better person, and he soon saw the benefits of his efforts.

But old Ben also taught Kia the importance of being at peace with his neighbours. “You must treat others with kindness and respect,” he said. “You must not let your anger and aggression lead you to lash out at others. Instead, you must be peaceful and harmonious in your relationships with others.”
 
Kia took his old master’s words to heart, and he began to practice kindness and respect in his interactions with others. He learned to forgive easily and to be compassionate. Kia found that by treating others well, he was able to build strong and lasting friendships with them.
 
One day, Kia was put to the test. A powerful enemy, the Dragon of Anger, had risen up in the land, and it was terrorizing the people. Old Ben knew that the dragon could only be defeated by a warrior of virtue, and he knew that Kia was ready for the challenge.

“Kia, my dear apprentice,” he said, “the time has come for you to put your training to the test. You must go out and defeat the Dragon of Anger, and in doing so, you will become a true warrior of virtue.”
 
Kia was filled with fear and doubt, but he knew that his old master was right. He set out on his quest, determined to defeat the dragon and save the people.
 
He journeyed through the dark and dangerous forest, facing many challenges along the way. He encountered the Giant of Greed, the witch of envy, and the sorcerer of laziness. But he battled them all, using the wisdom and virtue that his old master had taught him.

Finally, he reached the dragon’s lair. The dragon was a fearsome beast, with scales as hard as steel and breath as hot as fire. But Kia was ready. He used his self-discipline to control his emotions, and he used his compassion to overcome the dragon’s anger.
 
In the end, Kia emerged victorious. He had defeated the Dragon of Anger, and he had saved the people. He returned to his old master, a true warrior of virtue.
 
Old Ben was proud of his young apprentice. “Kia, my dear apprentice,” he said, “you have done well. You have defeated the Dragon of Anger and you have become a true warrior of virtue. You have learned the importance of being at war with your vices, while being at peace with your neighbours. You have shown that with hard work and determination, anyone can overcome their weaknesses and become a better person.

You have also proven that by treating others with kindness and respect, we can build strong and lasting friendships with them. Remember these lessons always, and you will go on to do great things.”
 
Kia was filled with gratitude and humility. He knew that he had much to learn and much to improve, but he was also confident that he could do it with old Ben’s guidance. He knew that he would continue to be at war with his vices, while also being at peace with his neighbours. He would continue to strive to be the best version of himself, while also treating others with kindness and respect.

From that day on, Kia’s reputation as a hero and a warrior of virtue spread far and wide. He went on to have many more adventures, but he always remembered his old master’s words, “Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbours.” And because of that, he always found success in his missions, and he lived a fulfilling life.
 
As old Ben watched his apprentice grow into a wise and respected leader, he knew that he had fulfilled his purpose as a teacher. He had passed on his wisdom and virtue to the next generation, and he knew that the world would be a better place because of it.
 
The end.

The moral of this story is that, in order to live a truly fulfilling life, we must constantly strive to improve ourselves and overcome our own weaknesses and bad habits, while also maintaining peaceful and harmonious relationships with those around us. We must be at war with our vices, but at peace with our neighbours. This way we can become the best versions of ourselves, and live a life filled with happiness and fulfilment.

Extract from the book; Master Ben and Kia the Young Apprentice: A book on moral values inspired by Ben Franklin – Volume 2

Ben-Kia.com