A Man with a Lamp

Once upon a time, in a quiet little town, there lived a kind man. He could not see. He was blind. Even so, every night when he went out, he carried a bright lamp in his hand.

One evening, after dinner, he walked home along the dark road. A group of young travellers saw him and began to laugh.

“You cannot see!” one of them called. “Why do you carry a lamp?”

The blind man smiled softly and said, “You are right. I cannot see. But this lamp is not for me. It is for people like you. If you do not see me coming, you might push me or bump into me. My light helps you stay safe—and helps me stay safe too.”

The travellers felt sorry at once. Their faces grew warm with shame. They said, “We are sorry. We judged you too quickly.”

The blind man nodded kindly, and they all walked on with softer hearts.

Moral

Think before you judge others. Be polite, and try to see things from someone else’s point of view.