Journey and the Storyteller: The Second Tale

 Journey and the Storyteller

 The Second Tale

Journey and the Storyteller lived far away from anyone and everyone. The Storyteller was Journey’s teacher, mentor, friend. Everything Journey was could be attributed to the Storyteller.

Once upon a time, the Storyteller found Journey and asked if he wanted to learn the meaning of life. Journey felt a rush of pride that his mentor had thought his knowledge already so advanced they were skipping right to the biggest lesson of all.

“Of course,” Journey said. “The answer everyone is looking for.”

“Yes,” the Storyteller agreed. “Let us consult the greatest minds in all the realm.”

They travelled far away to the city of scholars and the Storyteller arranged to meet with the four wisest entities in all existence: a roach, an elephant, a fox, and a tree. 

The cockroach perched on a large boulder and gave Journey its answer: “I know the meaning of life as I’ve survived the ravages of war and the hardships of drought. The meaning of life is to surmount.”

Journey nodded.

The elephant stood with perfect posture and gazed upon Journey with imminent intelligence: “I know the meaning of life as I remember all that has passed. I have gained perspective by seeing how events interconnect. The meaning of life is community.”

Journey nodded.

The fox dismissed his two contemporaries and favored Journey a wise wink: “I know the meaning of life because I’m not fooled by academic claptrap. I’m clever enough to see the value of fun. The meaning of life is zest.”

Journey nodded.

Then the Storyteller presented the tree. The great oak just stood still and silent, as a tree could not talk. Journey and the Storyteller gave equal time to the tree and then departed, starting their long walk back home.

“Which of the wise entities was correct in their summation of the meaning of life, my boy?” 

“Was any one closer to truth than the other?” Journey asked.

“One is always closer to truth than another,” the Storyteller answered. “The tree was wisest.”

“But the tree didn’t give any answer,” Journey said.  

“Exactly. Because there isn’t an answer, my boy. It’s always better to remain silent than to guess foolishly.”