The Fool and the Smart Ones

Semyon the soldier has a wish. To conquer the whole world, and to have more soldiers and power. Ivan the Fool says, "Sure, fine. I'll make them for you." Taras the fat man wants it all. To own everything in sight, and to have more gold coins and wealth. Ivan the Fool says, "Sure, fine. I'll give you as much as you want." Pahom the peasant has a dream. Endless joy, and just enough land so he won't be miserable. The village chief says, "Sure, fine. Take it." To the fools, the endless greed and desires of others are just a passing curiosity. No matter how fascinating a gold coin might be, once they take what they need, they lose interest. Fools give everything away, accept things unconditionally, and work with their own strength. Working with their heads is just too hard for them. They only know how to do their part—working honestly with their two hands and their backs until they get calluses. Fools just keep enduring and living, yet they end up supporting everyone, and everyone flocks to them. What makes the impossible happen isn't some vague wish—it's diligence and taking ownership of your life. Instead of chasing fleeting emotions and desires, I have to live my own life. Happiness isn't about the relationship between me and the outside world. It's about the relationship between me and myself. "Sure, fine." I guess I'll just live as a fool.

Candles and Wax

Matryona feels it's so unfair. She gives so much to others, so why doesn't anyone ever give back to them? The landowner had no idea. He didn't know his soul would leave this world before the sun went down. The neighbor woman is heartbroken. She knows that if her soul is taken now, there will be no one left to raise her children. Homo sapiens became human when they learned to act as a collective. In this unpredictable world, life shines through love for others and noble sacrifice. Love is inside us, and we become truly alive through the process of sharing it. The reason we're still alive is to give and receive love, and life is too short even just for that.