By Suniti Singh
In today’s generation there is nothing that money cannot buy. Everything, it appears, can be bought with enough cash. Yet, there is one thing that money has constantly failed to purchase and will never be able to: A person’s true nature.
But what do we mean by the nature of a person? Unlike character, which can be developed and refined over time, a person’s nature is the innate way of thinking and reacting to situations. It’s the essence of who they are at their core. To illustrate this concept, let us delve into a story that encapsulates the immutable nature of an individual.
Once, in a serene pond, lived a fish. One day, a scorpion with an injured leg approached the fish, pleading for help to cross the pond. The fish promptly refused “If I take you on my back to help you cross, you might sting me,” she said. The scorpion, understanding her fear, reassured the fish. “I am in need,” he argued. “If I sting you, I will die with you. Why would I want to die?” The fish, convinced by the scorpion’s reasoning and driven by her naturally helpful disposition, agreed to carry him across the pond. However, just as they were about to reach the other side, the scorpion said, “I know I will die, but it’s just my nature.” With that he stung the fish. Both perished in the water.
The moral of the story is clear: a person’s nature is unchangeable. No amount of money can alter it. Your nature is a reflection of your true self and even if it sometimes causes harm, you cannot resist it indefinitely. It is who you are, fundamentally and irrevocably. Thus, while experiences in life shape our character, nature remains innate. This distinction is crucial. Character can be honed through life’s challenges and triumphs, but nature is the bedrock of our identity. It guides our instinctive reactions and thoughts shaping how we navigate the World.
In a society increasingly driven by material wealth, it is vital to remember that our true essence cannot be bought or sold. Instead of solely focusing on acquiring wealth, we should strive to understand and nurture our true nature aiming to develop good character and live in harmony with our intrinsic selves.
