For three years, the emperor put his beautiful garden in order: he planted trees and flowers, arranged airy gazebos, rock gardens and ponds with goldfish. Many distinguished guests were invited to the opening of the garden, eager to admire its beauty.
Everyone was delighted and lavished only compliments. But the emperor was truly interested in the opinion of only one of the guests - a man who was considered an unsurpassed expert in this type of art, a master of his craft. Carefully examining the garden, the master said: “I don’t see a single dry leaf in your garden.” Can life exist without death? Because there are no dry leaves, the garden seems dead. They must have swept it this morning. Order some dry leaves to be brought here.
By order of the emperor, some fallen leaves were brought into the garden and scattered under the trees. Soon a breeze flew into the garden and began to play with dry leaves. Their quiet rustling and the subtle aroma of early autumn spread throughout the garden. The garden came to life before the amazed eyes of the guests.
Then the master said:
“Now I can say that your garden is beautiful.” The problem was that it was too well planned and watered down. Art becomes greatest only when it does not reveal itself.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru