Dr LeCrone
05-21-2006, 10:22 PM
Once upon a time there lived a just, kindly old king. Having ruled his kingdom for many years without a son, he rejoiced and proclaimed celebrations throughout his kingdom when an heir was born.
As the good tidings rang out, the king spread his message: Let it be known throughout all my lands that this son will be trained to become the greatest king on earth. He will inherit all my wealth and all my power. He called forth his council and sent them forth to find the greatest teachers. Nothing would be spared to make him the greatest king on earth.
So the little boy was taught by the most learned men the king could find. Knowledge in all matters was given to him. The king observed the boy and watched for signs of intelligence befitting a future king.
He was taught to lead his men in battle, to outthink the enemy, to preserve the safety of his people within the walls of the kingdom and to protect them from all foes. So the king observed the boy and from a distance watched for signs of bravery befitting a future king.
The young future king learned the manners and etiquette of the court, the social graces and the ways of royalty. The king observed the young the young man and wondered if he was ready to wear the crown reserved for him.
Since he could find no fault with his training, he pondered about what had been omitted. Again, he called his council into session. “Time is passing. I am growing old. I must be sure that he can lead my people. A rich reward will be given to anyone who can supply me with the answer.”
The call went forth and the wisest men came before the king’s throne hoping to give him the answer he was seeking.
He needs more knowledge, some said.
He needs more wealth and power, some said.
He needs to go forth into battle, some said.
Sadly the old king shook his head. All these things have been given, yet he is still not the leader I want him to be.
Finally, one day a peasant appeared and asked for an audience with the king. At first his requests were denied. He wasn’t dressed in armor. He didn’t wear the finery of a nobleman; however, he persisted saying he had words of wisdom for the king, so the audience was granted.
“Tell me,” said the king, “what one from your lowly station can tell me about preparing a future king?”
“Only what any father would do to prepare his son for life,” he replied.
“What do you think I have failed to do?” the king asked somewhat amusedly.
“You have given him wealth and power. You have taught him all the knowledge our people know. You have shown him how a king must act,” the peasant replied.
“Yes, yes,” the old king agreed.
The wise peasant said, “You did not tell him he was unique and wonderful. You did not praise him each time he learned the arts of court behavior, the skills of battle or facts about the world. You stood aside and watched. You should have shared his triumphs each step of the way. Now go, before it is too late, and tell him you are confident he will be a great king. Tell him you believe in him and that he will rule well because he is a worthwhile individual, and you believe in his self-worth.”
The king did just that, and the son received the greatest gift the father could give him: his self-esteem.
Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1988
As the good tidings rang out, the king spread his message: Let it be known throughout all my lands that this son will be trained to become the greatest king on earth. He will inherit all my wealth and all my power. He called forth his council and sent them forth to find the greatest teachers. Nothing would be spared to make him the greatest king on earth.
So the little boy was taught by the most learned men the king could find. Knowledge in all matters was given to him. The king observed the boy and watched for signs of intelligence befitting a future king.
He was taught to lead his men in battle, to outthink the enemy, to preserve the safety of his people within the walls of the kingdom and to protect them from all foes. So the king observed the boy and from a distance watched for signs of bravery befitting a future king.
The young future king learned the manners and etiquette of the court, the social graces and the ways of royalty. The king observed the young the young man and wondered if he was ready to wear the crown reserved for him.
Since he could find no fault with his training, he pondered about what had been omitted. Again, he called his council into session. “Time is passing. I am growing old. I must be sure that he can lead my people. A rich reward will be given to anyone who can supply me with the answer.”
The call went forth and the wisest men came before the king’s throne hoping to give him the answer he was seeking.
He needs more knowledge, some said.
He needs more wealth and power, some said.
He needs to go forth into battle, some said.
Sadly the old king shook his head. All these things have been given, yet he is still not the leader I want him to be.
Finally, one day a peasant appeared and asked for an audience with the king. At first his requests were denied. He wasn’t dressed in armor. He didn’t wear the finery of a nobleman; however, he persisted saying he had words of wisdom for the king, so the audience was granted.
“Tell me,” said the king, “what one from your lowly station can tell me about preparing a future king?”
“Only what any father would do to prepare his son for life,” he replied.
“What do you think I have failed to do?” the king asked somewhat amusedly.
“You have given him wealth and power. You have taught him all the knowledge our people know. You have shown him how a king must act,” the peasant replied.
“Yes, yes,” the old king agreed.
The wise peasant said, “You did not tell him he was unique and wonderful. You did not praise him each time he learned the arts of court behavior, the skills of battle or facts about the world. You stood aside and watched. You should have shared his triumphs each step of the way. Now go, before it is too late, and tell him you are confident he will be a great king. Tell him you believe in him and that he will rule well because he is a worthwhile individual, and you believe in his self-worth.”
The king did just that, and the son received the greatest gift the father could give him: his self-esteem.
Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1988