The Prince & The Peasant
Written By Khalilah Flowers and Hans Fleurimont
Once upon a time, there lived a wealthy prince who did nothing but get drunk, host extravagant banquets, and lay with beautiful women. He lived a frivolous and haughty lifestyle, spending his days indulging in the benefits of his royal title.
This was until war was waged upon his kingdom, forcing all the kings men to fight and die on the battlefield.
While the prince stayed hidden in his palace, the soldiers who sacrificed their lives were given quick and honorable deaths.
In this kingdom dwelt a noble commoner who was of the lowest of stations. Though he did not possess the education to aid strategically in war, he was stronger than any man and knew how to think on his feet.
The common man, though he was not obligated to, assisted the soldiers in battle as much as he could. When the struggle was at its fiercest, the commoner picked up the sword and shield of a fallen nobleman, and strode into the midst of the battlefield. He slayed the commander of the enemy, along with half of the opposing army.
In return for the bravery he displayed in battle, the king of his nation bestowed upon the commoner the highest of ranks and crowned him the successor to the throne.
This displeased the lazy prince, for he felt that it should have been him who succeeded his father. So he approached the once common man and said to him,
“Why you and not me who should become the future king? I am the sovereign prince of this nation, and you are but a peasant! I should be my father’s successor, not you who hails from the lowest of peoples!”
But the kings successor responded, “If it is the kings successor you wished to become, then all you had to do was pick up your sword and shield and fight for this kingdom.”
The prince did not understand and told the man that he was not skilled with the sword. The kings successor then said, “It is not by a physical shield and sword one may prove themselves a leader, but by the noble choices that they make all the days of their lives.”
With that, the kings successor wished the prince well, and went about his merry business.
The Authors Thoughts
We believe that all people are born to be leaders, but it is up to each of us to become one. Being a leader is not about titles and position, it’s about responsibility and servanthood. Instead of just looking to be served, true leaders serve those in their care and who are in need. If you want to become a true leader you must find your purpose in life and do your best to fulfill it.
Everything in existence was created with a purpose. Even though you might not know the purpose of something it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have any. Take the time to discover your purpose and unleash your true potential. Become who you were born to be.
Remember that your destiny isn’t before you, it’s within you. Plant your seed, become a tree, develop your fruits and share them with the world.
What will you do?
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