One simple village boy came to the city for the first time.
On the station platform someone stepped on his foot and said, “Sorry.” Then he went to the hotel, but there someone pushed him again and said: “Sorry!” Then he went to the theater and someone almost knocked him down and said, “Excuse me.” Then this guy from the village exclaimed:
- This is great, and we never knew this trick. Do whatever you want, to anyone, and just apologize!
And he shook his fist at a man passing by and said:
- Sorry!
If a person steps on a stranger’s foot in the middle of the market, he politely apologizes and explains: “There are so many people here.” If the older brother steps on the younger brother's foot, he says, “Sorry,” and that's it. If a parent steps on their child’s foot, they will not say anything at all. The greatest politeness is free from all formality. Impeccable behavior is not burdened with worries. Perfect wisdom is not planned. True love does not need proof. Complete sincerity is no guarantee. Zhuang Tzu
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru