Meaningful Life Lessons from Stories

10 Valuable Life Lessons from Stories

Lesson 1: Meaningful Lessons from Life Stories

WHO IS THE FOOL?

A new teacher realized that there was a boy in the class who was always called foolish. During the break, he asked the group of friends the reason.

- Well, he's just plain stupid, sir. If you give him a 5-rup coin and a 10-rup coin, he'll choose the 5-rup coin because he thinks the 5-rup coin is bigger, so it must be better.

Here, sir, take a look. A student in the group holds up 2 coins and lets the other student choose. And he still picks the 5-rup coin like before.

The teacher asked in surprise:

- Why did you choose the 5-rup coin instead of the 10-rup coin?

- Look, sir, this 5-rup coin is bigger.

Arriving at the scene, the teacher asked the boy again:

- Could it be that you don't understand that the 5-rup coin is only bigger in size, but the 10-rup coin can buy more things?

- If I choose the 10-rup coin, then next time they won't let me choose... The boy replied.

Lesson learned:

Surely by now, you'll find that the boy appears to be naive but not entirely so. It's often said: 'Being foolish but acting dangerous is nothing to fear; what's truly frightening is being dangerous but acting foolish.' So, don't underestimate the person in front of you. Because the person in front of you may not be as foolish as you think... This very short story about coins makes you reconsider your perception of others...

In addition to Life Lessons from Short Stories, to study better, students need to explore other articles such as Explaining the Ideological Meaning of Translated Texts, Tobacco, and How Population Issues Are Presented in the Text Population Problem to improve their Literature subject.

Life Lesson 2: Life Lessons from Short Stories

THE PEASANT AND THE SCHOLAR

A peasant and a scholar were riding together in a boat in the middle of the river. The scholar, considering himself knowledgeable, suggested playing a word guessing game to alleviate boredom. He proposed a bet: if he lost, he would give the peasant ten coins, but if the peasant lost, he would only lose five coins. The scholar pretended to yield to the peasant to appear more intelligent.

First, the peasant posed a riddle:

'What object weighs a thousand pounds underwater but only ten pounds when brought ashore?'

The scholar racked his brain but couldn't find the answer, so he reluctantly handed over ten coins to the peasant. Then, he asked the peasant for the answer.

'I have no idea either!', the peasant handed back five coins to the scholar and added:

'Quite embarrassing, but I've earned five coins at least.' The scholar was utterly surprised.

Lesson Learned:

In life, many people often pretend to be more intelligent than others and look down on those less educated or less intelligent. However, sometimes their excessive pride and overconfidence can lead to embarrassing situations. They fail to realize that 'intelligence can be harmful'; overly clever and cunning individuals often end up harming themselves due to their arrogance. Therefore, in life, don't fear the intelligent ones; fear the foolish ones who think they are smart. And strive to be a humble person worthy of respect. This very short story about the peasant makes us reflect on the virtue of humility.

Life Lesson #3: Meaningful Lessons from Life Stories

BURNT BREAD

When I was around 8 or 9 years old, I remember my mother occasionally baking burnt bread. One evening, after a long day of work, she prepared dinner for my father and me. She brought out some slices of bread, burnt not just lightly but black as coal. I sat there watching the slices of bread, waiting to see if anyone would notice the unusual sight and speak up.

But my father simply ate his piece of bread and asked me about my homework and school like any other day. I don't remember what I said to him that day, but I remember hearing my mother apologize to him for burning the bread.

And I'll never forget what my father said to my mother: 'Darling, I actually like burnt bread,'

That night, I went to my father's side to wish him goodnight and asked if he really liked burnt bread. My father put his arm around my shoulder and said:

'Your mother worked really hard all day, and she's very tired. A slice of burnt bread can't hurt anyone, my child, but do you know what truly causes harm to others? Those harsh words of criticism and blame.'

Then he continued: 'You know, life is full of imperfections and imperfect people. I'm quite bad at many things too, like not being able to remember birthdays or anniversaries like some other people.

What my father learned over the years is how to accept others' mistakes and choose to support their differences. That's the most important key to building a healthy, mature, and enduring relationship, my child.

Life is too short to wake up with regrets and discomfort. Cherish those who treat you well, and be compassionate towards those who haven't been able to do so.

Lesson Learned:

In life, you need to learn to empathize with the weaknesses and limitations of others. Empathizing with people's lives, personalities in the family, friends, spouses... will help you have a harmonious life around you. Empathy - the secret to nurturing family happiness. The short story Burnt Bread is a lesson in empathy between human beings.

Lesson #4: Meaningful Lessons from Life Stories

THE NAGGING ILLNESS

His wife was cooking in the kitchen, and her husband kept standing there incessantly nagging:

- Slow down! Be careful! The fire is too high! Hurry up! Flip the fish! Oh, too much oil!

His wife retorted: I know how to cook, you know!

The husband replied calmly: Of course you do, my dear. He continued:

- I just want you to know, when I'm driving, you keep nagging incessantly, and then you'll understand how it feels for me!

Lesson Learned:

Learning to empathize with others isn't difficult; you just need to sincerely stand in their shoes and view the issue from their perspective. Because when you are them, you'll understand all their actions from every angle. Don't rush to judge and conclude before all the issues are clear. Understanding others instead of complaining about them is the lesson drawn from this very short story.

Lesson Number 5: Meaningful Life Lessons from Short Stories

THE KING AND THE ACHING FEET

Once upon a time, there was a king who ruled over a prosperous kingdom. One day, the king went on a tour of the countryside. Upon returning to the palace, the king complained of sore feet, as this was the first time he had undertaken such a long journey, and the path he traveled was very rugged, strewn with rocks and uneven terrain.

Afterward, the king issued a decree:

'Cover all the roads in the kingdom with leather. This will require thousands of sets of cowhide and a colossal amount of money.'

Then one day, the wife of a royal steward bravely asked the king:

'Why do you spend such an unnecessary amount of money? Why not use a small piece of leather to cover your own feet?'

The king was surprised, but then he also agreed to make a pair of shoes.

Lesson Learned:

The ultra-short story above will help you understand: To have a happy life, a place to live happily, it's better to change yourself, your thoughts, your heart - rather than demand the world to change because 'If you change, the world will change.' Change yourself, and you'll see this world much more beautiful.

Lesson #6: Lessons from Real Life Stories

LESSON LEARNED FROM ANCIENT DEER:

Every time a fawn is born, it's a lesson. When giving birth, the mother deer doesn't lie down but stands, so the fawn comes into the world with a drop of over 3m to the ground and lies right beneath. After a few minutes, the mother deer does something extremely strange, she kicks her own offspring until it stands up. When the fawn's legs tire and it lies down, the mother deer urges it to stand up again.

Until it truly succeeds, the mother deer pushes it down again so the fawn must strive to stand up on its still tender legs.

Lesson Learned:

A short story about a newborn giraffe and its mother's teaching method. It may sound strange to us, but it's crucial for giraffe calves to stand on their own to survive with the herd, or else they'll be vulnerable in life and become delicious prey for predators.

Humans are similar; it's easy to lose hope when everything goes wrong. But even in the face of adversity, we must hold onto faith. You don't lose when you're defeated, you lose when you surrender. Remember, every time we face adversity, there's an inner strength within us.

Lesson Learned #7: Meaningful Lessons from Life Stories

While traveling on a train, Gandhi accidentally dropped a newly purchased shoe out the window, much to everyone's pity. Surprisingly, he immediately threw the other shoe out the window too. This action stunned everyone, so he humbly explained: 'No matter how expensive this shoe is, to me, it's no longer useful. If someone can find and use the pair, why not!'

Lesson Learned:

For suffering that is predetermined to be irreversible, it's better to let go early.

Lesson #8: Meaningful Lessons from Life Stories

That year, he was sitting in the café waiting for his friend. A girl approached and asked: 'Are you the person Aunt Vuong referred me to for an eye check-up?'

He looked up at her and suddenly realized she was the type of person he liked. In his mind, he thought, 'Why not make the mistake and let it be?' So, he quickly replied, 'Yes, please have a seat.'

On their wedding day, he immediately told his wife the truth. His wife just laughed and said, 'I wasn't there for an eye check-up either, I just used it as an excuse to talk to you...'

Lesson:

When fate comes knocking, don't hesitate; seize it tightly.

Life Lesson #9: Meaningful Life Lessons

A mouse fell into a rice jar, with half of the rice still inside. This unexpected incident brought it unimaginable joy.

After determining there was no danger, it immediately began its routine of eating and sleeping in the rice jar.

Soon, the rice was running out, but it couldn't resist the temptation of the remaining grains, so it continued to stay inside. Eventually, when all the rice was eaten, our mouse realized it couldn't jump out anymore, trapped by its own greed.

Lesson Learned:

Our lives may seem tranquil, but in reality, they are filled with risks; it's essential to maintain a stable mindset and consider safety.

Life Lesson #10: Meaningful Life Lessons

At a party, Mark Twain sat across from a woman. Out of politeness, he said to her, 'You are truly beautiful!'

That woman not only failed to appreciate Mark Twain's compliment but also arrogantly replied, 'Unfortunately, I have no way to offer similar praise to you!'

Mark Twain remained calm and replied, 'That's okay, you could be like me and just tell a lie, that'll do.'

Upon hearing this, the woman felt so ashamed that she couldn't utter a word, bowing her head in embarrassment.

Lesson Learned:

The stone you throw, causing someone to stumble, will always be none other than yourself. Your harsh words will eventually bring disgrace upon yourself.

Though these stories are very short, they leave us profound lessons about being human and living with determination, finding success in life.

Never stop believing, stop striving, and living harmoniously with others. For faith and compassion will lead you to a meaningful life in this world.