Saturday, May 9, 2009

Club 99

I heard this story and was fascinated by its moral. Thought I will share with my readers.

Once upon a time, there lived a King who, despite his luxurious lifestyle, was neither happy nor content. One day, the King came upon a servant who was singing happily while he worked. This fascinated the King. Why was he, the Supreme Ruler of the Land, unhappy and gloomy, while a lowly servant had so much joy. The King asked the servant, " Why are you so happy?"

The man replied, " Your Majesty, I am nothing but a servant. But my family and I don't need too much - just a roof over our heads and warm food to fill our tummies ."

The king was not satisfied with that reply. Later in the day, he sought the advice of his most trusted advisor. After hearing the King's woes and the servant's story, the advisor said, " Your Majesty, I believe that the servant has not been made part of 'The 99 Club'."

" The 99 Club? And what exactly is that?" the King inquired. The advisor replied, " Your Majesty, to truly know what 'The 99 Club' is, place 99 Gold coins in a bag and leave it at this servant's doorstep."

When the servant saw the bag, he took it into his house. When he opened the bag, he let out a great shout of joy... So many gold coins! He began to count them. After several counts, he was at last convinced that there were 99 coins. He wondered, " What could've happened to that last gold coin? Surely, no one would leave 99 coins! " He looked everywhere he could, but that final coin was elusive. Finally, exhausted, he decided that he was going to have to work harder than ever to earn that gold coin and complete his collection.

From that day, the servant's life was changed. He was overworked, horribly grumpy, and castigated his family for not helping him make that hundreth gold coin. He stopped singing while he worked.

Witnessing this drastic transformation, the King was puzzled. When he sought his advisor's help, the advisor said, " Your Majesty, the servant has now officially joined 'The 99 Club'. " He continued, " 'The 99 Club' is a name given to those people who have enough to be happy but are never contented, because they're always yearning and striving for that extra ONE telling themselves: "Let me get that one final thing and then I will be happy for life ."

We can be happy, even with very little in our lives, but the minute we're given something bigger and better, we want even more! We lose our sleep, our happiness, we hurt the people around us; all these as a price for our growing needs and desires. That's what joining 'The 99 Club' is all about."

24 comments:

Amit said...

this is one of the best pieces of fiction i have ever read...i am truly touched and i completely agree with this...we all keep running here n there to complete that 1 coin or that 1 percent ....thanks for sharing this with us!

Cheers,
Amit

Saritha said...

Very well said in the story-- "Club 99"
We are never satisfied with what we have.

muthu said...

simple but nice story

Sylvia K said...

What a marvelous story and, oh so true! And what a great reminder to all of us that we don't need more to be happy. Thank you for sharing this piece of wisdom. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Kavi said...

I guess this club has so many members that one more is not going to be any problem !

And so, there are members ! The world over ! All seeking for that one extra !!

Hmm !!

Fantastic story sir !

Ugich Konitari said...

This story has to be made required reading for everyone. Right from school and college onwards.

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Great story, and sadly, too often true. What each of "has" right now, in the present moment, is probably more than we ever dreamed of. And yet, we keep striving for that ever-elusive "one more."

nsiyer said...

Thanks Amit. I am happy that I have touched you.Cheers!

Happy are those who are contented, Varunavi.

Thanks Muthu for visitng my blog.

Thanks Sylvia for the constant encouragement. Have a nice week end too.

Gopal.G said...

So contentment is a way of life. One has to practise it sincerely, not to be carried away by temptations. Nice story-post indeed.

Unknown said...

Good story!!!

thoda hai thode ki zaroorat hai!!!

cheers!!!!

Sandy said...

Truly a great piece of Wisdom. Great Story..will definitely pass on the link! Thanks so much for sharing hun :)

Sandy

Sucharita Sarkar said...

Very interesting story. The search for 'more' is the key to unhappiness.

Saya said...

thats a lovely blog you have here.. and an amazing name :-)

Ankit said...

Very true Sir. I think this is what the whole world is doing, everyone who is in the Culb 99 wants the non members to become members so that they can also enjoy or suffer the suffering like everyone does.

In short awesome story

Sushree said...

perfect in today's world-wat with the rat race in every field-right from getting ur kid into kindergarten to us professionals striving to be the best in the 'market' :)

Shails said...

I agree.Have you read the novel 'the Pearl ' by steinbeck.It is a similar tale

Amritorupa Kanjilal said...

hello subra- what an interesting story :) and what a nice blog you have...
first time here. hope to keep coming back...
take care. do visit.

nsiyer said...

Thanks Kavi, I do agree.

Thanks Ugich Konitari, agreat suggestion!

Yes, Debrah. We always look for that which is hidden.

Thanks Gopal. I do appreciate.

nsiyer said...

Thanks Ranu, you have to come out with the Hindi song lines. Great.

Thanks Sandy for the appreciation and passing on the link.

Thanks Sucharita for your comments.

Thanks Saya for the appreciation. I will come over to your blog.

nsiyer said...

Thanks Ankit. I laughed at your comment.

Hi Shails, thanks for coming over. I have not read the book. I will.

Hi Sushree, thanks. That is why you need to be a cat.

Hi Little Girl. I am touched. I will visit your blog.

Greener Bangalore said...

this is a wonderful lesson!! have to keep this in mind forever :)Thanks for sharing a wonderful story Iyernhigher....

Anuradha Rawat said...

I love the story and the lesson...
If only... People would be content, they'd be a lot happier too, I guess... But, like I said, "IF ONLY"! :)

nsiyer said...

Hi Greener Bangalore. Thanks for your insight.

Hi Anuradha, its all a state of mind.

Giri Vasan Guinness said...

If someone is able to distinguish between need and greed, he would not become a member of Club 99.

Good moral.