There was once a traveler who found himself walking by a large mango tree. Sitting in the shade sat an old man who was resting under the heat of the sun.

Wanting to take a break himself, the traveler stopped and decided to ask the old man a question:

“Why should people do good things when they are never appreciated?”

The old man slowly opened his eyes, clearly hearing his question, and pointed to the large tree he was sitting under.

“Who planted this tree?” the old man said.

“I don’t know.” replied the traveler.

The old man smiled and said, “No one knows. But whoever planted it knew that even though they may never get to eat its fruit, someone else would. It’s not about what you get in return, it’s about doing good simply because good should be done.”

This short parable offers a hard truth: a lot of our good deeds go un-rewarded. But do they really? You might not see the fruit of your labor, but the effect it has on those it touches is still worth more than any appreciation.

Marcus Aurelius talks about this in his book Meditations:

“A person who’s done good doesn’t shout it from the rooftops, but goes on to the next good deed, as a vine goes on to bear grapes again in its season. That’s the goal to aim for, to do good without noticing it.”

Being someone who can do good deeds without the expectation of anything in return is what makes the most respected person of all. Goodness doesn’t come from the reward or accolades you receive from doing it, it comes from the quiet decision to do what’s right.

Until next time,
Isaiah Taylor

Dive Deeper

What I’m Currently Reading - I’m still reading Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. A bestselling book on the perfect morning routine that you should adopt all before 8am.

Quote Of The Week - “I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.” — Thomas Jefferson