Once upon a
time there was a painter who had just completed his course under disciple-hood of a great painter. This young artist decided to assess his
skill of skills and so he decided to give his best strokes on the
canvass. He took three days and painted a beautiful scenery.
Suddenly
an idea flashed in his mind and he decided to display it on a busy
street- square of that small town he was resident of. He wanted
people’s opinion about his caliber and painting skills.
He
put his creation at a busy street-crossing. And just down below a board
which read-”Gentlemen, I have painted this piece. Since I am new to
this profession I might have committed some mistakes in my strokes etc.
Please put a cross wherever you see a mistake.”
While
he came back in the evening to collect his painting he was completely
shattered to see that whole canvass was filled with Xs (crosses) &
some people had even written their comments on the painting.
Disheartened and broken completely he ran to his master’s place & burst into
tears. Sobbing and crying inconsolably he told his master about what
happened and showed the pathetic state of his creation which was
filled with marks everywhere. Such was the state that colours were not
visible, only things one could see were crosses and correction
remarks.
This young artist was breathing heavily and
master heard him saying, "I am useless and if this is what I have
learnt to paint I am not worth becoming a painter. People have rejected
me completely. I feel like dying”
Master smiled and suggested “My Son, I will prove that you are a great artist and have
learnt a flawless painting.” Young disciple couldn’t believe it and
said, “I have lost faith in me and I don’t think I am good enough.
Don’t make false hopes."
"Do as I say without
questioning it. It WILL work.” Master interrupted him. ”Just paint
exactly similar painting once again for me and give it to me. Will you
do that for your master?” Master instructed.
Young
artist reluctantly agreed and two days later early morning he
presented a replica of his earlier painting to his master. Master took
that gracefully and smiled. ”Come with me.” master said.
They
reached the same street-square early morning & displayed the same
painting exactly at the same place. Now master took out another board
which read- ”Gentlemen, I have painted this piece. Since I am new to
this profession I might have committed some mistakes in my strokes etc. I
have put a box with colours & brushes just below. Please do a
favour. If you see a mistake kindly pick up the brush & correct it.”
Master & disciple walked back home.
They both
visited the place same evening. Young painter was surprised to see that
actually there was not a single correction done so far. But master
wasn’t satisfied as yet and he told his disciple “May be one day was
too little a time for people to come up with ideas and take out time
out of their busy schedules to correct it so let us keep it here for one
more day.Tomorrow is Sunday, so we can expect some corrections coming
in.”
Next day again they visited and found painting
remained untouched. They say the painting was kept there for a month for
no correction came in!
It is easier to criticize, but difficult to improve. If
you want to help people improve their behaviour it is worth investing
your effort in learning how to help people change their behaviors,
attitudes and skills. Also, always remember not to get carried away or
judge yourself by someone else’s criticism and feel depressed as you
are the best judge to judge yourself. Take Criticism in your stride;
consider that which are genuine and implement those which you think is
the best to improve you as a person!
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