The Two Roads
Long ago, two young brothers lived beside an old forest where cool waters ran. Emre, the elder brother, loved easy roads, but young Kerem was never afraid of hard work. One day the brothers left their father's house to seek their fortune in distant lands. After many days of travel, they came to a wide crossing where two roads parted. Golden flowers glowed along one road, while steep and sharp stones covered the other.
They asked the old wise man at the crossing which road they should take. The wise man smiled and said, "The flowery road is short, but it leaves you empty-handed." "The stony road takes two years, yet it grants a true treasure to the patient," he added. Impatient Emre rushed at once onto the shining flowery road and quickly vanished from sight. Kerem, however, took a deep breath and decided to walk the hard stony road.
For two years Kerem crossed mountains, worked in the fields and learned precious skills from master craftsmen. Emre soon believed in false pleasures, spent all his savings and fell into poverty. At the end of the two years the brothers stood face to face at the same crossing. Thanks to his experience, his wisdom and his honesty, Kerem had become a respected master.
Emre bowed his head in regret, because he had made no effort in those two years. Kerem took his brother's hand and promised to teach him how to work patiently. True success and happiness lie not on easy roads, but on long roads walked with effort. No pain, no gain.