Presented by Arthur Pledger of World Domination
There was a sensei that had gained great excellence in the martial arts. He knew 360 exquisite tricks and fighting moves. He had a particular pupil (his favorite) that he taught 359 techniques to, withholding only one supreme technique. Over time, his student had attained such power and skill that no one was able to defeat him and he went so far as to say to the sultan: ‘You are indeed superior to me in age and wisdom, but our level of strength and skill is equal!
The sensei, who was not pleased with this his student’s bad manners, challenged his former favorite student to a duel, to be attended by the Emperor, all the Emperors staff and citizens from all over the land.
At the beginning of the match, the youth charged his master like a mad elephant, but the master (who knew that his student was indeed stronger than he) countered his students charge with the 360th technique that he had withheld. The youth was unable to dodge his teacher’s counter move and was lifted head-over-heels into the air and onto his back. Just like that, the match was over. The Emperor jumped to his feet and the onlookers burst into cheer.
The Emperor presented the sensei with a robe of honour, presents, and 10 concubines, but looked down at the student and asked “How were you defeated?” The student replied: “My lord, he hasn’t beaten me fairly! He used a technique that he withheld from me!” The King then turned to the master, who replied ‘I had reserved it for such an occasion because wise men have said: “Do not give so much strength to thy friend that, if he becomes thy foe, he may injure thee.”
The moral of the fable is this: While you may possess a wealth of knowledge that you gain from sites like this, it’s not always smart to teach and expose everything you know. For it can (and will) be used against you one day by both your enemies, your so-called friends, and sometimes even FAMILY! Make no mistake, this is like a poker game. Keep a straight face and your cards close to your chest. Shake hands and make nice AFTER you have won.
Looks like the master was up on the 48 Laws of Power… Well at least the first four:
1. Never outshine the master.
2. Never put too much trust is friends, learn how to use enemies.
3. Conceal your intentions.
4. Always say less than necessary.
Well another solution is to build and do things by yourself. If you never rely on too many people then you never have to worry about their reactions and their words.
All of this stuff will be used against you if you decide that you want to be noticed for it. Otherwise people have all kinds of thoughts and you wouldn’t know.
Good drop man, and a much needed one. Snoop said it best with his album “Tha Game Is To Be Sold, Not Told” and I feel the same way when I come across a gem that can put me on a new echelon. If you’re not in my innermost circle, chances are you’ll never know I found it.
Very interesting read. Sometimes, a mentor’s ego will get the best of him and he’ll want to tell everything he knows to prove how smart he is. Holding a little back can be a very good thing.