"THE SAGE AND THE NOBLEMEN
A sage was visited by several noblemen who occupied high places in the
kingdom. Each prince or duke was accompanied by a servant who introduced
the nobleman to the sage. The sage nodded politely after each introduction,
but said nothing.
After giving a short talk about the inward life, the sage left the lecture
hall immediately. On the journey home, some of the noblemen complained that
the teacher had not shown sufficient respect to their high rank. Grumbled
one of them, 'He was not even impressed by hearing of my great gifts to the
poor.'
But one nobleman stated, 'You may not return for another lesson, but I will
go back very soon. The fact that he was not impressed by us told me another
story. I don't trust anyone who is impressed by riches or titles.'
To be impressed by the truth itself is the only sensible kind of
impression."
THE PERFECT PATH TO AN INSPIRING LIFE
Inspire Yourself, Chap. 14, p. 186 (Previous version)
Chap. 14, p. 175 (Current version)