Ben Franklin’s Quote

Fools need advice most, but wise men only are the better for it

This quote suggests that while everyone can benefit from advice, it is only those who possess wisdom who can truly understand and appreciate its value.

A parable that illustrates this concept in a magical story

King Harald

Once upon a time, in a far-off kingdom, there was a wise and kind master named Ben. Old Ben was known throughout the land for his great wisdom and for the many young apprentices he had taught over the years. One of his apprentices was a young student named Kia, who was eager to learn and had a heart full of courage.
 

One day, Kia asked his master why he spent so much time teaching young people like him. “Master, why do you teach us so much?” he asked.
 
Old Ben smiled and replied, “Well, my young apprentice, there is an old saying that goes, ‘Fools need advice most, but wise men only are the better for it.’ What this means is that everyone can benefit from advice, but it is only the wise who truly understand and appreciate its value.”
 
Kia was confused. “But, Master, if everyone can benefit from advice, why is it only the wise who can truly understand its value?”

Old Ben took a deep breath and began his tale. “Once upon a time, in a land of fantasy and heroes, there was a great king Harald, who ruled over his kingdom with fairness and kindness. He was loved by all his subjects, and his kingdom was prosperous and happy. But one day, a great dragon appeared, and the king Harald knew that he needed to seek the advice of a wise old wizard who lived in a far-off land.”
 
“King Harald set out on a journey to find the wise old wizard, but along the way, he was beset by many dangers and difficulties. He was lost in a forest, attacked by bandits, and almost drowned in a raging river. But King Harald persevered, and finally, he arrived at the wise old wizard home.”

“The wizard listened to the king Harald’s tale of woe and then spoke these words: ‘Your majesty, I can give you the advice you seek, but it is only through your own wisdom that you can understand its value and put it into practice.'”
 
“King Harald listened carefully to the wizard’s advice and realized that it was indeed wise and valuable. King Harald returned to his kingdom and used the wizard’s advice to defeat the dragon and restore peace and prosperity to his land.”

Kia’s eyes widened with wonder as he listened to his master’s tale. “So, Master, the king Harald was wise because he recognized the value of the wizard’s advice?” he asked.
 
“Exactly, my young apprentice,” old Ben replied. “And in the same way, it is only the wise who can truly understand and appreciate the value of advice. Fools may receive advice, but it is the wise who put it into practice and benefit from it.”

Kia nodded, understanding dawning on his young face. He knew that he had much to learn from his old master, and he was eager to become wise and learn from the advice of others. And so, he continued his apprenticeship, eager to become a wise hero, just like the king Harald in old Ben’s tale.
 
The End

The moral of this story emphasizes the importance of seeking advice and guidance in life, but also highlights that the value of this advice depends on the wisdom of the person receiving it. It is important to approach advice with an open mind and to recognize the value of the knowledge and experience of others, especially those who are wiser and more experienced than ourselves. Only then can we truly benefit from the advice and guidance we receive.

Extract from the book; Master Ben and Kia the Young Apprentice: A book on moral values inspired by Ben Franklin – Volume 2

5 book series

Master Ben and Kia the Young Apprentice:
A book on moral values
inspired by Ben Franklin

Introducing "Master Ben and Kia the young apprentice: A Collection of Moral Parables for Young Readers" - a heart-warming and imaginative children's book that teaches essential life lessons inspired by the great Ben Franklin himself.

Perfect for young readers aged 9 to 12, this captivating collection of short parables takes place in a fantastical kingdom, where an old master named Ben takes on Kia, his young and curious apprentice. Together, they embark on a journey filled with adventure and discovery, as they explore the importance of honesty, kindness, hard work, and many other virtues.

As the charming tales unfold, readers will be transported to a magical kingdom, all while gaining a deeper understanding of what it means to be a good person. With each page turn, children will be delighted and captivated by the timeless wisdom that old Ben imparts.

Don't miss your chance to give your child the gift of wisdom and wonder with "Master Ben and Kia the young apprentice".

Add it to your cart today and make every story time a journey of discovery!

 

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