The Rich Man and the Contented Man

Copy 1: 100–120 Words

A rich man had a very big house. But he was not happy. One day, he wanted to find a happy and contented man. He wrote a poster and put it in front of his house. The poster said, “I will give this house to a contented man.”

Many people came to him. They said, “We are contented.” But all of them wanted the big house. So the rich man did not believe them.

At last, a poor farmer came. He said, “Sir, I am contented.”

The rich man said, “Then take my house.”

The farmer smiled and said, “No, sir. I do not need it.”

The rich man understood. The farmer was really contented.

Copy 2: 150–200 Words

A rich man lived in a very big house. He had money, land, servants, and many fine things. But he was not happy. He always wanted more. One day, he thought, “I want to see a truly contented man.”

So he wrote a poster and put it in front of his house. The poster said, “This house will be given to the person who can prove that he is a contented man.”

Many people came to the rich man. One man said, “I am contented.” Another man said, “I want nothing in life.” But when the rich man said, “Then you may take this house,” their eyes became bright. They all wanted the house. The rich man understood that they were not really contented.

After some days, a poor farmer came. He wore simple clothes. He said, “Sir, I heard about your poster. I am a contented man.”

The rich man said, “Good. Then take my house.”

The farmer smiled. He said, “No, sir. I have a small hut, food to eat, and peace in my heart. I do not need your house.”

The rich man learned a great lesson. A contented man wants nothing more than he needs.

Copy 3: 250–280 Words

A rich man lived in a large and beautiful house. He had much money. He had servants, fine clothes, good food, and many rooms in his house. But he was not happy. Every day, he wanted more and more. One morning, he said to himself, “I have many things, but I have no peace. I want to find a truly contented man.”

Then he wrote a poster and put it in front of his big house. The poster said, “This house will be given to the person who can prove that he is a contented man.” Soon many people came to him. They all said, “Sir, I am contented. I am very happy with my life.”

The rich man listened to them. Then he said, “Very good. If you are contented, you can take my house.” At once their faces changed. They smiled and looked at the big house with greedy eyes. Some people even began to quarrel. One said, “The house is mine.” Another said, “No, I came first.” The rich man became sad. He said, “You are not contented. You all want my house.”

After a few days, a poor farmer came to the rich man. His clothes were old, but his face was calm. He said, “Sir, I am a contented man.”

The rich man said, “Then take this house.”

The farmer laughed softly and said, “No, sir. I do not need it. I have a small hut. I have a little food. I work hard and sleep well. My family loves me. I am happy.”

The rich man was silent. Then he smiled. He understood the truth. A contented man does not run after more things. He is happy with what he has.