There was once a very rich businessman who held profound faith in religion. After having amassed a lot of wealth, he started spending his riches in charity and social service. The generous deeds of this man pleased the entire town. A few representatives of public went up to him in order to thank him. They said, “Your sacrifice is really plausible. The society owes a lot to you for your selfless services. Hence, we want to confer the title of “People’s gem” to you in public. Kindly accept our proposal and oblige us.” The businessman grinned and very modestly answered,” My dear brother, I have not done any sacrifice, rather, I have gained a lot by distributing my wealth amongst all. ” Settling their querries, he further added, “When we make deposits in bank, we get back the interest, when a shopkeeper sells his merchandise, he gets back the price and profit, if someone standing at the beach sights pearls, he would apparently prefer to get them, hence he would empty his hands filled with shells and collect pearls instead- all these acts cannot be categorised as sacrifices. Similarly, if one wishes to shed anger, greed and shrewdity and wants to acquire non-violence, charity, forgiveness, it is not compromise but gain. Hence, I have not done any sacrifice, I have, in fact, discarded my demerits and gained, imbibed and inculcated sound morals and ethics leading to social welfare and above all, your good wishes and appreciation. What more could I have asked for?
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