A Cobbler and a Banker

Short Version

Once there was a happy cobbler. He worked every day and sang happily from morning to night. His neighbour was a rich banker.

One day, the banker asked, “How much money do you earn in a year?” The cobbler said, “I do not know. I earn a little money every day, but I am happy.”

The banker gave him a lot of money. The cobbler took it home and hid it in the ground.

After that, he became worried. At night, he could not sleep well. He always thought that thieves might steal his money. Soon, he lost his peace and happiness.

At last, the cobbler returned the money to the banker. Then he could sleep well again. He became peaceful and happy as before.

Moral: Happiness lies in contentment.

Expanded Version

Once there was a poor cobbler who lived a simple life. He worked every day repairing shoes. He did not earn much money, but he was cheerful. While he worked, he often sang songs from morning until evening.

Next door lived a rich banker. The banker had plenty of money, but he was often worried and could not understand why the poor cobbler seemed so happy.

One day, the banker called the cobbler and asked, “How much money do you earn in a year?”

The cobbler smiled and replied, “I do not know. I earn a little each day. It is enough for my needs, and I am happy.”

The banker decided to give him a large amount of money. The cobbler was surprised and took the money home. He hid it carefully in the ground because he was afraid someone might steal it.

From that day, his life changed. He stopped singing. At night, he could not sleep because he kept thinking about the money. Every small sound made him fear that a thief was coming.

After some days, the cobbler understood that the money had taken away his peace.

He dug it up and returned it to the banker. “Please take your money back,” he said. “I want my peaceful life again.”

That night, the cobbler slept well. The next morning, he returned to his work and began singing happily as before.

Moral: Happiness lies in contentment.