The Allegory of

the Pencils

By Thirumur David Kiran

One day, the Master
Pencil Maker was busy
in his workshop
creating pencils. He
formed, he cut, he
shaped, and he
colored.
All of this he did with a
keen sense of precision and
joy, for he loved nothing
more than creating pencils
and seeing them put to
good use in a variety of
locations for a variety of
purposes.
Although seemingly small
and insignificant, each
one was important on
their own way. The pencil
maker knew this and so
he put his best efforts
into creating the perfect
pencils.
Once the pencils had been
created, the Master Pencil
Maker had one last task to
complete before sending
them out to take their
places in the various shops,
schools, business, etc.
where they would be used.
He gathered all the pencils
together and spoke to them
saying, “My dear pencils,
there are a few things I need
you to know before you go out
to fulfill your tasks. Always
remember them and you will
each become the best pencils
you can be.”
First: You will be able
to do many great
things, but only if you
allow yourself to be
held in your Maker’s
hand. 
Second: You will experience
a painful sharpening from
time to time, by going
through various problems
and difficulties, but it’s all
to help you to become a
stronger and better person.
 Third: Never let your
mistakes get you
down. You have the
ability to either correct
your mistakes or grow
through them.
Fourth: Everyone is different.
Yet on the inside, we are all
the same. By the same token,
what you wear, what you look
like, how you carry yourself
are all of secondary
importance. The most
important part of you will
always be what’s on the
inside.
Fifth: On every surface you
walk you must leave your
mark. No matter what the
situation, you should always
leave a mark for good by
doing the best that you can
whenever and wherever you
can. That is your mission.
Remember, you were made to
do great things!
Questions: 

What did the Master Pencil

Maker do before sending
out his pencils to the
shops?
Who does the Pencil Maker
symbolize in our life?
How many lessons did the
Pencil Maker give? Which one
struck you the most? In what
way?
How do you see yourself as
similar to a pencil?
If you were the Pencil Maker,
what other things would you
tell your pencil to help them
become the best pencils?