Two Stories sculpting the Future

Being the storyteller I am, I would like to share  two short stories. Deside for yourself what story suits best which people in our Zambian adventure: The Europeans and the Zambians. Maybe even both, maybe not one of them. Please let me know.

Story 1.
In the city of the well educated, the people loved to discuss the characteristics of an wonderful creature, the eliphant. For every inhabitant in this city being blind no one  had the slightest clou what an eliphant looked like. Some even doubted the very existence  of this creature. But everyone felt the importance of talking about the concept, the necessity of transforming this idea into a perceivable living entity. The one day the people of this city were able to invent the best eliphant possible. And they became very exited about the achievement.

Some time later a stranger appeared at the gate,  declaring he had an eliphant among his possession. The whole city felt silent. People knew now they would be able to really check there internal  images, both a thrilling and a frightening idea. One after another people left the city, entered the coral of eliphant and started to explore this creature. Impressed and speechless every one of them returns home, the revelation of the eliphant concept hidden deep down  in their minds and hearts.

Some people had been scrutinising the eliphant's leg and for sure the now knew an eliphant is like a giant tree. Some had been exploring the eliphant's trunk and discovered that an eliphant is like a snake. Some touched the eliphant's skin and became speechless.  Some had been trying to reach out and feel the ever moving ears. For them an eliphant seemed like a gentle wind. Some had been researching the tail and they realised now that an eliphant was like a living piece of rope.

That night every inhabitant having been out there slept the sound sleep of the knowing people. They dreamed about the future, about beautiful eliphants living among them within in their city walls For the well educated it took some time before the started to share their perceptions and conclusions. I realy do hope found out what a reak eliphant looks like.

Story 2. 

Once upon a time a holy man meditated everyday the whole day for the benefit of the world. Becoming famous, people from all over the country joined him in his mediation. This holy man owned a cat. This cat being quite a nervous animal was taken by the holy one to every meditation session.  After a couple of years this cat became a part of the meditation itself.  The holy man's followers waited for the cat to arrive (just behind the holy man) for they prepared themselves for joining in in the meditation.  Both the holy man's meditation posture and the cat relaxed cleaning his body they found inspiring.

Even after the holy man passed away, his successor waited for the cat to accompany the  meditation sessions.
Even after the cat passed away, they brought a new cat to lead each meditation session.
Generation after generation. Outsiders even named this congregation the cat in mediation cult.
Then a new holy man, maybe the 18th successor of the first, was elected. This man didn't like cats that much.

Less than fifty years later the congregation received a new name. "Cat" was no part of it.

Who is afraid of the (Gordian) Jester

Once upon a time there was, there is and there always will be some one who wants to be King. Even if there is no country to be ruled.

This time this man gets the opportunity to travel abroad, to a country he gets the feeling about the inhabitants are in need of a new king. As good as a would be King has to be, he takes his Jester along.

Roaming the country is so fulfilling. In every town or village they visit, this Would-be King becomes more and more shure about the needs of the people he senses are trapped in their oldfashion ways of living.  A grand vision starts growing inside of him. A vision, so devine pregnant of challenges, possibilities and reachable goals, that's this man can't keep it inside. He starts telling. Het starts lecturing. He starts preaching.

People are very impressedby the contours of a new world he paints before their eyes. No, he says, I am not talking about some other world. I am not talking about some heaven out of reach. No. No. No! I am talking about thìs country. I am talking about you people. You can do it. You can make my dream come true.  Just let me be your king. Follow me.

This man starts walking and talking. He explains his ideas and the realisation of this ideas to his best friend, the Jester, who keeps on nodding, listening,  digesting . 

The Would-be King and his Jester, followed by believers, walk the whole the country. They travel to the horizon and even beyond. With every step a sparkling idea, a revised concept or a brand new system rises up from the dust, mingling with the Would-be King's words, till before their eyes this Kingdom of his starts to come true.

This makes him very happy. This makes him the King of the future.  When finally there are no more words to be said he looks at his friend the Jester with questioning eyes.

What do you think? Will they follow me? He says.
Who? Asks the Jester and looks back.

The Would-be King turns around en all he sees is a long road winding through a empty landscape. No one else is around.

Where are they? Cries the King. How can I lead them into the best possible future, when they don't get to know my vision?

The Jesters smiles  You just told me, he said. Did you tell them?
Who?
The people falling behind.
Don,t they want to ?
You are a King without people,  the Jester says and leaves his King alone at the border of this country he doesn't own.

As soon as the Jester's bells stop singing, the King with no county starts moving.
If you see him walking, say hello to him. Ask hem after his dreams. Tell about your own. Maybe .... maybe ... you and he ... together you possibly can be the difference.... 

(based on a Hodja &Tamurlane story)

Working like a donkey?

Sometimes it is better to tell a story than giving a lecture. Of course it is possible lecturing about starting up small enterprises. Lots of items. The finances. The regulations. The managing. The buying and selling. The suppliers and clients. The administration. How long should such a bullet list be? How complex (dreadfull?) this lecture could be?
So, better telling a story. Especially when sharing a meeting with 150 Zambian ladies, who just started up their businesses on micro credits! So many people advising them. Telling them what to do and what to refrain from.l
Maybe starting a small business is like a grandfather with grandchild and donkey on his way from one village to the other.

After a few minutes walking the first people on the road started to whisper.
"Do you see that old man with the child and that donkey? What a cruel old man! Why can't he let the child ride on the back of the donkey. The child is far too young to walk to the next village on his own feet."
De old man heard. Intending to stop the criticism he put te child on the back of the donkey. They continued their journey.

After a couple of minutes they met new people on the road. As soon as they passed by,  these people started to make comments under their breath.
"Did you see them? Shameless boy. Letting his grandfather walk, while enjoying like a prince on a horse! . Doesn't he have any respectfor the traditions in this country?"

Sighing deeply the old man traded places with his grandson. Of course just untill the next meeting with people on the road.
"Those stupid people even don't know what a donkey is for. It is a working animal, strong enough for carrying both people!"
The old man said nothing. He climbed on the donkey behind his grandchild. They tried to continue the journey to the next village.

Then again, people on the road. Whispering,  criticising, nagging.
"Why is it that some people do not have respect for animals. Don't they realise this donkey is too old and skinny to carry two people at the same time? People having two string legs of their own?"
What do you think what the old man decided to do? What would you, in his place, decide. Which advise is okay? Which words are better to ignored?
So if you start your (entrepreneurial) journey to the next village and beyond, you will meet people on the road. It is up to you what to do. It is your expedition.
Good journey!