The Poverty-Ridden Millionaire

In school, I was one of the poorest students. My grandpa told me that his grandpa had been very rich, associated with the royal family, with estates, bungalows and many workers.

“We are very poor,” I said. “What is the use of knowing about great-grandpa and his wealth?” He replied: “It is useful. You have to regain the lost glory and wealth.”

“Why did you and your father become poor? How did we lose our wealth and glory?” I asked.

We could not make use of our brains and we became lazy — slaves of the pompous tales of our grandpa. So you must be hardworking, and ready to make use of your brain.

A Piece of Glass

Years later, in spite of my higher education and hard work, I remained poor. People around me were sympathetic. They said that despite my high birth, intelligence and qualifications, I remained poor and unknown.

One day, from an old box, I found a glass-like piece. Out of curiosity, I cleaned it. I thought it was some costly glass. I showed it to the village goldsmith. He said: “It is not mere glass. It is precious. But I do not know its worth.”

Later, I took it to the local jewellery shop. The owner told me: “It is a diamond. But I do not know its value. Better you consult a diamond merchant in the town. People go for imitation gold and artificial ornaments, chasing publicity and advertisements. Nobody wants the original gold or diamond.”

Worth Millions, Living Poor

When I went to the town, I carried the diamond without knowing its worth. I found the diamond merchant and showed it to him. He said: “Your diamond is worth millions. But I am not in a position to buy it or assess its value.” I was sad. Even knowing I had a precious diamond, I remained poor and unknown.

One day, reading the newspaper, I came across news of a precious-diamond exhibition in the metropolis. I rushed there and managed to meet the diamond valuator. After prolonged examination, he told me it was worth many millions more, and advised me to keep it in a bank strong room. The news spread; the media gave big coverage to its pricelessness. But I remained poor. An auctioneer approached me to put my diamond up for auction.

The day came. One international diamond merchant offered several millions. But I was confused — whether to keep it or sell it. I realised I was the richest man in the region, yet leading a poor life, because I was sad to part with my precious stone.

The Real Diamond

I met my wise teacher. He told me:

Your brain is more precious than your metal. Make use of it. Your intelligence is a thousand times more precious than your diamond. It enlightens you and millions. It enriches and empowers millions. Your intelligence and its outcome — knowledge — can revolutionize the whole of humanity, unlike their Artificial Intelligence.

What diamond are you carrying, unaware of its worth?