The following tale I'm about to relate to the world is perhaps as old as history itself. From the earliest days of civilization man has known what's going to be revealed very shortly by me, but many simply forget it. And it's probably one of the only things that cannot be refuted whatsoever. The ubiquitous statement which will soon be brought back to the front of your mind is one that should not be taken lightly- Live by it. For who ever does so will truly have a well spent life and not take anything for granted.
In antiquity, millenia ago, there once was king who ruled a vast and powerful empire. He was a happy man, everything he desired he possessed. And if he wanted something new it was as simple as snapping his fingers to obtain it. With all his control and tangible assests he was utterly content. What more could be asked for? This happiness continued unabated for many years, until one day a new empire arose close to this said king's land. Gaining strength and wealth, the nearby kingdom had it's eyes set on expanding it's borders by conquest.
War was inevitable. The new ruler eventually began to attack the king's towns and villages. So successfully in fact that the once vast empire was quickly collapsing. Sensing impending disaster the king consulted with his wise men to come up with a solution to the problem. In addition to raising an army the advisors also gave the king a slip of paper with something written on it. They told him however, that he could not read it unless he was in a situation that he could not get out of by any other means. At this time he would be allowed to look upon its words. The king put the paper under his ring for safeguarding.
Months later, after the king's resistance had failed the new empire's army was only steps away from his palace, he was forced to flee. The king followed a river that led out of the city in hopes of escaping his pursuers. Not too long after his escape began he heard the enemy right behind him and quickly approaching. Seeing no other way out of this life threatening situation, he removed the slip of paper from beneath his ring and read it's words. He was stunned by the simple yet sage statement: "And this too shall pass away." And although the king was dazed by it's brevity he understood what it meant. Finding courage in these six words he gained the necessary strength to avoid capture and eventually reconnect with his army. Keeping the wise men's statement in mind he managed to rouse his people's morale. By doing this he was able to completely reclaim his empire.
After the final battle that made him a powerful king once more, he became boastful of his superior strength and courage. His arrogance remained until he remembered the words that had saved him, this is when he became truly humble. When he read "And this too shall pass away" as he was escaping, he realized that his moment of distress would soon be gone. Everything is transient, nothing lasts long. So this enabled him to clear his mind and gain strength, for he knew his problems would be over with very shortly. After he reclaimed his seat on the throne and became humble, the king lived each day like it was his last. His life, his kingdom, and even the entire world will be but dust in the future he knew. Why not find happiness now? It's pointless to save it for another day, because that might not come.
The statement created by the king's advisors is one that can make a sad man happy and a happy man sad. Nothing, I repeat nothing lasts forever, everything eventually ends. And as you finish reading this sentence, just remember that the tale I have told shall also pass away and be forgotten.
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