An old man in brown dropped his shoe off a bridge and called to a young passerby, “Pick it up for me!”
The youth, though annoyed, saw the man’s age and complied. Then the old man stretched out his foot: “Put it on for me.” The young man hesitated but obeyed with respect. Without a word of thanks, the old man walked away.
Yet he soon returned, instructing the youth to meet him at the bridge in five days. Twice the young man arrived early, only to find the old man already there, scolding him for being late. On the third try, the youth came before midnight and waited. At dawn, he helped the old man onto the bridge, earning a smile: “You are worthy of teaching.”
The old man gave him a book on military strategy, saying, “Master this, and you may one day teach kings.” The young man studied diligently, later becoming a key advisor to Emperor Liu Bang, helping to found the Han dynasty.
Greatness begins with humility and persistence. True wisdom is earned through patience, respect, and the willingness to serve before leading.