THROW AWAY YOUR FEARS

A long time ago, an Arabian prince, Arrab, decided to wander around the world and explore other peoples` ways of life and learn more about their civilizations and cultures. He was sure that he`d get astonishing facts concerning them.

He started his adventure in a Persian kingdom which deserts covered a huge part of its area. Arrab was familiar with desert scenes since Arabian kingdoms were established in desert areas. These deserts were not completely arid, oases where there was water, palm trees and other vegetation.

Arrab was accompanied by a local person who served as his guide through those lands. Long days passed until they got in a big city. They went to the central square. Arrab was very surprised to see thousands pf people crowding there. They were all producing swords. It seemed they were preparing for a war against the whole world. Everyone was busy sharpening hundreds of swords. He approached one man and asked:” why are you all busy producing these swords?”

– “It is our job since we were little children. Our parents taught us how to make swords.”

– “But why swords? Your job involves a lot of risk. I think 4,5 small sword shops would be enough.”

– ” Unfortunately, it’s the king`s order. From a very young age, we’ve been told about fighting and wars, nothing else. Every boy who turns 10 is obliged to learn how to make swords. Here, in this square they are taught how to make them. They learn for two years until they master it. They have to work for at least 5 years.

– Oh, it is so harsh. Thank you for answering my questions.

Arrab started thinking about the reasons that made the king order his people to produce that big number of swords and why he aroused fears among his people. So, he decided to get the answers from the king himself.

The next morning, he went to the king`s palace. It was huge. Swords of all kinds a sizes could be seen everywhere.

Arrab was led by the king`s guards into the main palace court,

and there he introduced himself and spoke to the king.

“Your Majesty, I want to talk to you about a very important issue concerning your people.”

– ”Please start talking your highness. I`d be glad to listen to you.”

– ” Yesterday, as I was walking around the city, I got to learn that you force all males from a very young age to learn how to make swords and later on to produce them for at least 5 years.”

– OK, so what is the problem?

– “Maybe you haven’t realized that your subjects don’t know anything about life but wars and swords, in addition to fears off the future that are spread among them”.

-“I make them do that so they`d be ready to protect and defend themselves if a war breaks out”.

– ” You aren’t protecting them this way, you are actually frightening them. You`ve turned the atmosphere here so depressing. Your people are scared of anything relating to their future. The word ” future”, has become a synonym for “war”.

-” I haven’t really realized that I am hurting them I just want to protect them. Now I have qualms and feeling of guilt.

-” Feeling guilty won`t help you correct this situation. You have to take some steps to make your people feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed. You need to get closer to them and learn more about their needs. Don’t make the same mistakes again. Don’t let your fears affect others. Throw them away and focus on the positive things of life. Knowledge is much more important than arms. Knowledge assures a better future for your kingdom and subjects.

– ” I`d really want to thank you for enlightening my mind.

-” I am very happy for persuading you.

After that experience, Arrab became more enthusiastic to continue his adventures in different kingdoms, so he would contribute to make the world a better place to live in.