The Stone and the Coin: A Story About Real Value

Came across this interesting story on Telugu Quora. I loved the moral and hence posting it in English for the benefit of everyone!

In a small village, a farmer set off for the town, carrying just two things in his pocket: a simple stone and a shiny new five-rupee coin. The coin gleamed brightly as he walked, while the rough stone bumped against it with each step. The coin, annoyed by the stone’s presence, couldn’t stay quiet.

“Don’t touch me” the coin said arrogantly.

“Keep your distance. I’m not like you, a worthless stone. I’m money, and people value me. With me, you can buy food and goods.

‘Money makes the world go round’

The stone listened patiently as if impressed by the coin’s shine. Encouraged, the coin bragged even more, talking about how many hands it had passed through and all the things that could be bought with it. The stone stayed quiet, listening to every word.

As they continued, the smell of roasted corn filled the air, and the coin couldn’t resist another comment. “I hope the farmer uses me to buy some of that corn,” it said. “Then I’ll be in a cash box with other coins. I can’t stand being stuck with you, dirty stone.”

“You’re right,” the stone replied honestly. But the farmer kept walking, unaware of their conversation. Eventually, he stopped under a tree to have lunch. As he ate, a friend arrived from the town.

The farmer greeted his friend warmly, saying,

“I was heading to town to see you! Before my father passed away, he gave me this stone.

Can you tell me what it’s worth?

The friend examined the stone closely, and his eyes widened in surprise. “This isn’t just a stone,” he said. “It’s a raw diamond! Once polished, it could buy all the villages around here.”

Hearing this, the coin in the farmer’s pocket felt embarrassed. The farmer was also amazed. He carefully placed the diamond back in his pocket.

Realizing the stone’s true value, the coin respectfully moved aside, feeling ashamed of its earlier arrogance. The stone, still friendly, said, “Why are you so quiet now, my friend? You were talking so much before, and it was nice.”

The coin, still embarrassed, replied, “I bragged without knowing your worth. Please forgive me. Did you know all along that you were a valuable diamond?”

“Then why didn’t you tell me when I was boasting?” the coin asked.

“That’s exactly why I didn’t,” the stone replied calmly. “I wanted a real friendship. Look at you now-how humble and honest you’ve become. If you had known who I was, you wouldn’t have acted like yourself. Our true value isn’t in what we have but in how we treat others. Money can’t measure real worth.”

The coin was touched by the stone’s wisdom. As they continued their journey together, the coin started chatting again, and the two unlikely friends enjoyed each other’s company.

True friendship and real value aren’t about wealth or looks. It’s about being kind, honest, and sincere. Choose your friends for who they are, not what they have.

If you liked the story, tag a friend who you value for who they are :)

Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.