The Greatest Virtue

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A king needed a servant for himself. After two days, his minister presented a capable person before him. The king appointed him as his servant, but later said to the minister, “He seems alright, but his appearance is not pleasant.”

The minister found this remark strange but remained silent.

Once, during the summer, the king asked the servant to bring him some water. The servant brought it in a golden vessel. When the king drank the water, it felt warm. He rinsed his mouth and threw the water out, saying, “Such warm water in this hot season? You don’t even have that much sense?”

The minister was observing everything. He then asked the servant to bring water in an earthen pot. The king drank the water and felt refreshed.

At this, the minister said, “Your Majesty, don’t judge the outside—look within. A golden vessel may be beautiful, valuable, and appealing, but it doesn’t have the quality of keeping water cool. An earthen pot is simple, yet it has the power to cool water. Don’t judge by outer appearance—look at one’s virtues.”

From that day, the king’s perspective changed.

Respect, honor, reputation, and devotion are earned by character, not by appearance. Chanakya once said that a person becomes noble through their qualities, not by their position or title. Just as a crow remains a crow even if it sits atop a palace—it doesn’t become a mighty eagle. Similarly, lasting beauty shines from the purity of the heart. Beauty is not just about looks, facial features, style, or fashion. It is a reflection of one’s mind, thoughts, values, and actions.

Some people appear beautiful on the outside but are ugly inside. While others may not be externally attractive, the purity of their emotions makes their personality magnetic. There is a vast difference between being beautiful and appearing beautiful.

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Moral:
Your character is your greatest virtue.

Always stay happy – What you have is enough.
The one who is content at heart – possesses everything.