Once upon a time there was a very rich old man who loved his three sons. One day he summoned them to his office for their initial inheritance. The three brothers were triplets and just finished college. They are all handsome and very bright. "I am old my beloved sons. I have decided to give the three of you the freedom to seek your own path while I am still alive." Said the old man. The three brothers were presented three envelopes for them to choose.
The first envelope was labeled "Fortune". It contains a Manager's check worth 10 Million Dollars. The second envelope was labeled "Fame". It contains a 5-year, 5 picture contract with a holywood producer. The third envelope was labeled "wisdom". It contained a passport and and ATM that will provide a monthly allowance of 5,000 Dollars with a list of international Charitable Institution around the world to volunteer.
The first son grabbed the "fortune" envelope. He shouted with joy when he opened it and left the room immediately. The second son grabbed the "fame" envelope and almost choked with happiness when he saw the contract. "I'm going to hollywood!" He screamed. He left the room too without saying goodbye. The third son picked up the last envelope. The word "Wisdom" was written on it. He opened it and smiled. He thanked his father and left.
The first son went straight to Las Vagas! He bought a sports car, rented a pent house, he gambled everyday and partied day and night. In less than 2 years he was broke. He ended up in the street homeless. He joined gangster and finally ended up in prison.
The second son went straight to Hollywood! He starred a movie and become an instant celebrity. He made friends with the rich and famous. Soon experimented with drugs like cocaine and heroine. He married a fellow celebrity. He got hooked with drugs and ended up in a rehabilitation center. He was divorced by his wife and his hollywood contract was forfieted.
The third son went to Africa, Asia and many other countries in the world as a volunteer for an international humanitarian institution. He saw the world and saw different cultures. Then he saw sufferings. He saw greed. He saw violence. He saw war. He saw fear. He saw hopelessness.
5 years later, the three sons were summoned again by their father. The first son was pulled out from a prison. The second son was pulled out from a drug rehab center. The third son was pulled out from Tacloban City, Philippines while helping the victims of super typoon Yolanda.
This time, the father was very sick. He was on his death bed when his three sons entered the room. "I am about to die my beloved sons. I am giving you again another one final chance to choose your own path". The same three envelopes were given. Fortune, Fame and Wisdom.
The first and second sons looked at each other. They were both pale, sickly, unshaven and looked 10 years older than the third son. "What envelope did you choose the last time brother?" Ask the first son and second son. "I did not choose it, I got no choice when you both grabbed the "fortune" and "fame" envelope. I got "wisdom". The third son answered.
So the first and second sons both grabbed the "wisdom" envelope. "Take it easy my beloved sons! You might tear what's inside it. I can give you another "wisdom" envelope if both of you want it". Said the old man smiling.
"How about you?" Ask the father to the third son. "Are you not going to choose any of the envelopes?" Inquired the father. "No sir. I don't need fortune nor fame. I am happy and contented with what I do." Answered the third son.
The father cried and ask the first and second son to come near him for a hug. "I should have forced both of you to have the "wisdom" envelope. But I know that life without freedom of choice is not life at all, so I let you choose. I was certain your life will be ruined when you chose fortune and fame. But I know you won't believe me if I told you."
Then the father told his third son: "you can have the "fortune" and "fame" envelopes my son. That 'fortune' envelope contains all my material weath in this world. That 'fame' envelope contains ownership of the three biggest film companies in Hollywood. Please take care of your two brothers. Remember, fortune and fame are not the evil, lack of wisdom is."
By: Jun Abines.
-THE END
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