There once was a person who journeyed thousands of miles in search of a wise one, atop a tall mountain. Upon reaching their destination, they asked the wise one: “Oh wise and knowledgeable one; I have journeyed long and hard in search of answers.”
The wise one studied the newly arrived traveler and replied, “Ask, my child.”
“Thank you, oh master of wisdom. Recently I have been studying the elements and I need to know which of the four I should pattern my life after?”
The wise one pondered for a moment, then answered, “Well, to answer your query, let us delve into what these elements are, shall we? First, we have Earth: solid, massive, shapeable . . . so monumental our planet is named as such. Our mountains: vast pillars of earth, lording over all it sees. From the earth sprouts trees, flowers, fruits, vegetables. Earth is amazing indeed . . .”
“So, I should be like the earth,” the traveler interrupted.
“Don’t be so hasty, my child. The earth also has its limitations: the earth is etched and eroded by the wind and the water, scorched by fire, desecrated by man. It may seem strong, but it is so very, very fragile, susceptible to the will of the other three elements. It cracks, crumbles, degrades and sometimes explodes with unbelievable fury.”
“I see,” the traveler conceded.
“Second, we have the Wind: ever moving, powerful, unpredictable . . . a source of energy, strength and an invisible force that rules nature. It has control over all the other elements: extinguishes fire, creates massive waves that turn into hurricanes, uproots trees, and funnels itself into towers of incredible power.”
“Since wind has control over the other elements,” the traveler states, “wouldn’t that be the best one to emulate?”
“You would think, if only you were thinking linearly. Wind does not have absolute power. There are places in the world that wind has no power at all. They are known as the doldrums. The wind must also concede power to the greatest mountains, for it must journey over or around them; never through. Also, ask any sailor: there are times where you simply cannot rely on the Wind. They will tell you as powerful as it is, Wind is unpredictable, and, if depended on too heavily, will ultimately let you down.”
“I understand, master.”
“Third, we come to Fire: volatile, explosive, dynamic . . . a major source of energy, a bringer of warmth and a sustainer of life. It has a life of its own and comes in many forms. Fire burns at the core of our planet and leaks out of volcanoes both underwater and on land. We cook food with it, warm ourselves, forge metal, and use it as a form of defense. Fire is unique in the sense that if left to its own devices will quite literally take on a life of its own. It is beautiful, brilliant, powerful, intelligent and highly destructive.”
“Wow,” was all the traveler could say at this point.
“You wish to be like fire?” the wise one questioned.
“More than you know,” the traveler replied.
“Well, then know this: with all its brilliance and power, Fire is incredibly weak. It will always bow to the Wind, be smothered by the Earth or extinguished by Water. Fire, more than the other three, has the most limitations. This is because it is the most unique and the most volatile.”
“You humble me, master,” the traveler replied, a faint blush growing on the traveler’s cheeks.
The wise one simply nodded in silent understanding.
“Last, however not least, we have Water: nourishing, sustaining, life-bringing . . . as humans, we are mostly made of this element. Most life on this planet would cease to exist without Water. Its powerful, it brings life, it helps the flora and fauna to grow and flourish and it covers a majority of our planet. Water covers most of the undiscovered landscape and sustains most of the plant and animal life that exists today. It can carve its way through sand, earth, mountains, or rock. It can exist as a gas, a liquid or a solid . . . it even falls from the sky. Most of all, we would not be able to survive as a species without it.”
“Because of all the wonderful things that Water does and can do, wouldn’t it be the best to mirror?” the traveler asked.
“One could assume with all that Water has to offer that it would be the best to be like. However, take into account that Water, wonderful as it is, is still flawed. It cannot survive in the deserts of the world; it will always bend to the will of the Sun. Water will also be enveloped by the Earth, turned to vapor by Fire and blown off course by the Wind.”
“I’m confused, master,” the traveler said. “You’ve told me the good and bad of every element, but what one should I be like?”
“You miss my point, young one. Do not limit yourself to one: be like them all; better yet, strive more to be like yourself. I’ve had many travelers grace my doorway seeking my advice about how they should live their lives and who they should be like. Again, my advice is this: be like yourself. You are only limited by the limits you put on your potential. Take bits and pieces of all those elements and weave them into your life. Let those ingredients help you on your journey: be strong and firm like the Earth, be a source of energy and strength like the Wind, bring warmth and remain dynamic like Fire, and allow growth and be a source of life like Water. This is the best advice I can give you. Take it as you will and go with peace.”
The traveler bowed to the wise one and left the mountain, journeying home to spread the words learned from the advice given.
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