The Merchant and the Two Coins
A young merchant once asked an old trader, —Sir, how did you become so wealthy?
The old man smiled and handed him two silver coins. —These are all I had when I started. Keep one, spend the other wisely.
The young man was confused. —How can two coins change my life?
—Simple, —the old trader said— one coin is for *learning*, the other is for earning. Spend the first to gain knowledge — books, mistakes, mentors. Spend the second to test what you learned — in trade, in work, in risk.
The merchant followed the advice. He lost both coins many times — but gained wisdom each time they left his hands. Years later, he returned, richer than he ever imagined.
—Now I understand, —he said— the secret wasn’t the coins… it was knowing when to spend and when to learn.
The old trader nodded. —Exactly. Most people want to double their money. The wise ones double their mind first.
