Short Stories » Parable of the Pencil

Parable of the Pencil

In “Like the Flowing River” by Paulo Coelho, there is a story about a pencil. Below given is the gist of the story.

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box.

“There are 5 things you need to know,” he told the pencil, “before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be.”

One: “You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone’s hand.” Two: “You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you’ll need it to become a better pencil.”

Three: “You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.”

Four: “The most important part of you will always be what's inside.”

Five: “On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.”

The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.

Now replacing the pencil with you, if you remember these lessons and never forget them, you will become the best person you can be.

One: “You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God’s hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.”

Two: “You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems in life, but you’ll need it to become a stronger and better person.”

Three: “You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make. So do not be afraid of making mistakes.”

Four: “The most important part of you will always be what’s on the inside. What you think and feel is more important than how you look.”

Five: “On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties. Leave your legacy when you leave this world.”

You are special. Only you can fulfill the purpose for which you were born.

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Parable Of The Pencil - Takeaway for Class 1,2,3

Just like a pencil can create wonderful things when used with care, we can all do amazing things by being kind, helpful, and trying our best.

Parable Of The Pencil - Takeaway for Class 4,5,6

Just like a pencil, you have the power to make a positive mark on the world, but remember that it’s okay to make mistakes, and what matters most is what's inside.

Parable Of The Pencil - Takeaway for Class 7,8,9

Just like a pencil, you have the ability to create wonderful things, learn from mistakes, and leave a meaningful mark on the world.

3 Fun Facts

• Just like a pencil needs to be sharpened to write well, we also go through challenging experiences to help us grow stronger and wiser.
• Pencils can be used to erase mistakes, reminding us that it's okay to correct our errors and start anew.
• The most important part of a pencil is its inside core, which teaches us that who we are inside matters more than our outer appearances.

Quiz for Class 1,2,3

• What did the Pencil Maker tell the pencil about being useful?
• How does the pencil show that everyone is special in their own way?
• What can the pencil do when it makes a mistake?

Quiz for Class 4,5,6

• What did the Pencil Maker tell the pencil was important about its life?
• How can a pencil correct its mistakes, according to the story?
• Why is it important for the pencil to always be guided by someone’s hand?

Quiz for Class 7,8,9

• What are the five important lessons that the pencil-maker shares with the newly made pencil in the story?
• How does the pencil in the parable relate to the capabilities and personal growth of a human being?
• In what way does the parable suggest the importance of inner qualities over external appearances?