Long ago, cities didn’t have running water. A water carrier used a donkey to deliver water to people’s homes. The donkey worked very hard every day. Its back was bent from carrying heavy loads, and its body was full of wounds. The owner didn’t take good care of the donkey. He fed it poorly and often beat it to make it move faster. The donkey was patient, but it suffered a lot and often wished it would die to escape the pain. One day, the water carrier met a friend who worked in the king’s stables. Seeing the donkey’s terrible condition, the friend offered to take it in and care for it. The owner happily agreed. At the royal stables, the donkey saw strong, beautiful horses living in comfort. Comparing himself to them, he felt sad and complained to God: “Why do they live so well while I suffer so much?” Suddenly, a war broke out. Soldiers rushed in, took the horses, and rode them into battle. The next day, the horses returned badly injured—covered in wounds and arrows. Watching this, the...
Long ago, cities didn’t have running water. A water carrier used a donkey to deliver water to people’s homes. The donkey worked very hard every day. Its back was bent from carrying heavy loads, and its body was full of wounds.
The owner didn’t take good care of the donkey. He fed it poorly and often beat it to make it move faster. The donkey was patient, but it suffered a lot and often wished it would die to escape the pain.
One day, the water carrier met a friend who worked in the king’s stables. Seeing the donkey’s terrible condition, the friend offered to take it in and care for it. The owner happily agreed.
At the royal stables, the donkey saw strong, beautiful horses living in comfort. Comparing himself to them, he felt sad and complained to God: “Why do they live so well while I suffer so much?”
Suddenly, a war broke out. Soldiers rushed in, took the horses, and rode them into battle.
The next day, the horses returned badly injured—covered in wounds and arrows. Watching this, the donkey felt ashamed of his earlier complaints. He realized that while the horses lived in luxury, they also faced great danger.
The donkey prayed, “I’m sorry for complaining. I’m content with my life now. At least I am safe.”
A week later, he returned to his old life, but this time with a different mindset - grateful for what he had.
3 Corporate Lessons from the Story
1. Not Every “Better Job” Is Actually Better
In the corporate world, it’s easy to envy others - higher salaries, fancy titles, big companies. But those roles often come with hidden pressures: longer hours, higher risk, and intense expectations. What looks glamorous from the outside may come at a high cost.
2. Comparison Kills Perspective
The donkey became unhappy only after comparing himself to the royal horses. Similarly, constant comparison with colleagues or competitors can distort reality. Everyone has a different role, challenge, and trade-off. Focus on your own path instead of measuring your worth against others.
3. Every Role Has Its Own Risks and Trade-offs
The horses had comfort but faced war. The donkey had hardship but safety. In business, every position- startup vs corporate, manager vs individual contributor - comes with its own pros and cons. Smart professionals evaluate the full picture, not just surface-level benefits.
Check also: Corporate Wisdom: The Man Who Wanted a Tattoo
Corporate Wisdom: What This Powerful Story Tells Us About Gaslighting in the Workplace?
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