Being true to yourself creates a natural power that others can sense and respect. People consistently believe in, respect, and honor individuals of integrity. When your public character matches your private conduct, you experience a life of peace and fulfillment.
The Emperor's Search for a Successor
An ancient story from China tells of an Emperor who had no children and needed to choose a successor. Thousands of children from across the kingdom gathered at the palace, surprised to learn that the Emperor intended to choose one of them as his heir.
The Emperor gave each child a single seed with specific instructions: they were to return to their villages, plant the seed in a pot, tend it carefully for one year, and then return to the palace. The Emperor would judge their efforts and choose his successor based on what they had grown.
Ling's Honest Efforts
Among the children was a boy named Ling who received his seed and returned to his village. His mother helped him select a pot and fill it with soil. Every day, Ling faithfully watered his pot, watching eagerly for any sign of growth.
Once a week, the village children would gather to compare their growing plants. After just a few weeks, green shoots began to appear in nearly every pot - except Ling's. While other children proudly displayed their growing plants, Ling's pot remained barren despite his diligent care.
The Day of Reckoning
A year passed, and the children returned to the palace to present their plants. Ling was anxious and embarrassed - his pot still showed no signs of life. Encouraged by his mother's wisdom that honesty mattered more than results, he decided to return and show the Emperor his empty pot.
The Emperor moved through the crowd, examining the impressive trees, shrubs, and flowers on display. When he reached Ling, the boy quickly explained how he had tried everything possible, but the seed never grew. Other children laughed at his barren pot.
Ling's Character Strengths
- Honesty in admitting failure
- Courage to face embarrassment
- Perseverance despite no results
- Respect for the process and rules
The Emperor's Wisdom
After completing his assessment, the Emperor held up Ling's empty pot for all to see. Then he revealed the truth: "The seeds I gave you all were boiled and were not supposed to grow. But I see before me thousands of plants and only one barren pot."
The Emperor continued, "Integrity and courage are more important values for leadership than proud displays." Then he declared Ling, the only honest child, as his heir.
Integrity in Our Daily Lives
As Napoleon Hill wisely stated, "When you're able to maintain your own standards of integrity - regardless of what others may do - you are destined for greatness." True character is revealed not in moments of public scrutiny, but in private choices when no one is watching.
Integrity means your actions align with your values, even when it's difficult, inconvenient, or when you could easily get away with doing otherwise. It's the foundation of trust, respect, and genuine success.
Commitment to Character
Make this daily pledge to live with integrity: