Everything is connected

Everything is connected

　There was once a farmer who grew the best corn in his town. Each year he would join in the farmer’s competition in the state and win the first prize for his wonderful corn.

　The farmer’s good corn was famous in the state. A reporter wanted to interview the farmer. While he was learning about the farmer, he knew that the farmer shared his best seeds with his neighbors.

　“Why do you give your good seeds to your neighbors? They will compete with you in the farmer’s competition!” the reporter asked.  

　“Why wouldn’t I, Sir?” said the farmer. “Don’t you know? The wind picks up pollen¹ from the corn and blows it from field to field. If my neighbors grow bad corn, the bad pollen will have a bad influence on my corn. If I want to grow good corn, I must help my neighbors grow good corn, too.”

　It is the same with our life. Those who wish to be loved must first learn to love others. Those who want to live well must help to make others live well, as the value of a life is counted by the lives it touches. Those who expect to be happy must let others find their happiness, as the happiness of each is connected to the happiness of all.

Note:

1. pollen n. 花粉