“What people live in this city?”. Philosophical parable

It was a long time ago. But this story is still alive today.

An old man was sitting at the entrance to an eastern city. A young man approached the old man and asked him:

– I have never been here before. Tell me, what kind of people live in this city?

The old man replied

– What kind of people were in that city, the one you left?

– They were selfish and evil people. That’s why I was glad to get out of there.

– Well, it’s unfortunate for you. You’ll meet exactly the same people here,” replied the old man.

– Well, I’ll go and see the city.

The young man walked away towards the city.

Soon after, another young man approached the old man and asked him the same question, “I have never been here before:

– I’ve never been here, could you tell me what kind of people live in this town?

The old man looked at the young man, smiled and answered:

– And tell me, my son, what kind of people were in the city where you come from?

– I am pleased to answer your question. Oh, they were kind, hospitable and honorable people. I had many friends there, and it was not easy for me to part with them. I was reluctant to leave.

– Oh, my goodness, what luck! You’ll find the same people here,” said the old man with a smile.

– Thank you very much, God bless you for many years to come, I’m going to see this village!

The merchant, who was drinking from his camels nearby, overheard both conversations. And as soon as the young man had left, he addressed the old man with a reproach:

– How can you thus throw words to the wind? You have given two different answers to the same question, and who are you to argue about the people of this city?

The old man listened to the merchant in silence and replied:

– My son, I am glad that you have taken to heart the meaning of my words. I see that you care about what people say to each other. But my words were not spoken in vain. Everyone carries his world in his heart. He who in the past found nothing good in the land from which he came, will find nothing here. On the contrary, he who had friends in another city, will also find loyal and faithful friends here. The kind of environment a person has is the same kind of person. Yes, you are right, the questions were the same, but the people were different.