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CONSTRUCTION—NOT DESTRUCTION FIRE has two aspects-Flame and Light. Thought has two-aspects—destructive and constructive. The former has its roots in Envy, the latter in Hope. The flame of Envy will consume the inner strength. The light of Hope will illumine darkness.
Once, Emperor Akbar drew a line and said to the courtiers around him, “Who can make this line shorter without rubbing or even touching it?"
The Court was mystified. How could the line be made shorter without being partially rubbed out? Men who are trained and accustomed to think in terms of destruction cannot think of rising to greater heights without lowering others.
Birbal stood up. Akbar reminded him of the condition--the line must be made shorter without being touched. . "Yes, Your Majesty," · replied Birbal, bowing with reverence. Then he stepped out, cooly drew a line parallel to the original, but much longer. The Emperor's line was obviously much shorter in comparison with · Birbal's! The spectators gasped with admiration.
Success lies in a constructive effort to rise above others; not in destroying those who are higher than you.
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