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This is a true story that had happened in 1892 at Stanford University. Its
moral is still relevant today.
A young, 18-year-old student was struggling to pay his fees. He was an
orphan, and not knowing where to turn for money, he came up with a bright
idea. A friend and he decided to host a musical concert on campus to raise
money for their education.
They reached out to the great pianist Ignacy J. Paderewski. His manager
demanded a guaranteed fee of $2000 for the piano recital. A deal was struck.
And the boys began to work to make the concert a success.
The big day arrived. Paderewski performed at Stanford. But unfortunately, they
had not managed to sell enough tickets. The total collection was only $1600.
Disappointed, they went to Paderewski and explained their plight. They gave
him the entire $1600, plus a check for the balance $400. They promised to
honor the check soonest possible.
"No." said Paderewski. "This is not acceptable." He tore up the check,
returned the $1600 and told the two boys "Here's the $1600. Please deduct
whatever expenses you have incurred, keep the money you need for your fees and
just give me whatever is left" The boys were surprised, and thanked him
profusely.
It was a small act of kindness. But it clearly marked out Paderewski as a
great human being. Why should he help two people he did not even know? We all
come across situations like these in our lives. And most of us only think "If
I help them, what would happen to me?" The truly great people think, "If I
don't help them, what will happen to them?" They don't do it expecting
something in return. They do it because they feel it's the right thing to do.
Paderewski later went on to become the Prime Minister of Poland. He was a
great leader, but unfortunately when the World War began, Poland was ravaged.
There were over 1.5 million people starving in his country, and no money to
feed them. Paderewski did not know where to turn for help. He reached out to
the US Food and Relief Administration for help.
The head there was a man called Herbert Hoover - who later went on to become
the US President. Hoover agreed to help and quickly shipped tons of food
grains to feed the starving Polish people. A calamity was averted.
Paderewski was relieved. He decided to go across to meet Hoover and
personally thank him. When Paderewski began to thank Hoover for his noble
gesture, Hoover quickly interjected and said, "You shouldn't be thanking me
Mr. Prime Minister. You may not remember this, but several years ago, you
helped two young students go through college in the US. I was one of them."
The world is a wonderful place. What goes around usually comes around.
See Also:
Pencil and Eraser
I found this conversation between the pencil and the eraser very inspirational.
White
Envelopes
It's just a small, white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas
tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the
branches of our tree for the past 10 years or so.
It Must Be
Raining
The news reporter was telling the story of one of many food banks in our area that were serving those in need of the basics for the holidays.
Throughout the holidays we see such reports over and over, unlike the other 11 months when the same people are hungry, in need of clothing, basic services and a little help with life.
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