The Honest Potter’s Apprentice

Once upon a time, there was a young boy named Tom who lived in a small village. Tom was an orphan and had no family to take care of him. One day, he decided to visit the local potter’s shop in search of work.
The potter, Mr. Brown, was a kind-hearted man who took pity on the young boy and offered him a job as his apprentice. Tom was overjoyed and worked hard to learn the art of pottery. He was fascinated by the way Mr. Brown could turn a lump of clay into a beautiful vase or bowl.
As time went by, Tom became a skilled potter himself. One day, he was working on a vase when he accidentally dropped it and it shattered into a million pieces. Tom was devastated and feared that Mr. Brown would be angry with him.
When Mr. Brown returned to the shop and saw what had happened, he asked Tom what had happened. Tom admitted his mistake and apologized profusely. To his surprise, Mr. Brown smiled and said, “It’s okay, accidents happen. You are an honest boy and that is more important than any vase.”
From that day on, Tom worked even harder, determined to make up for his mistake. He became known as the honest potter’s apprentice, always truthful and hardworking. Mr. Brown was proud of him and often told others about his apprentice’s honesty and dedication.
Years later, when Mr. Brown passed away, he left the shop to Tom, who continued to run it with the same honesty and dedication that he had learned from his mentor. Tom became a respected member of the community, known for his kindness and his beautiful pottery.
And so, the story of the honest potter’s apprentice became a legend in the village, passed down from generation to generation as a reminder of the importance of honesty and hard work.

Moral

1. Honesty is the best policy: The story emphasizes the importance of honesty. The apprentice’s honesty earned him the trust and respect of his master, which eventually led to his success.
2. Hard work pays off: The apprentice’s dedication and hard work paid off in the end. He was rewarded with a successful business and a happy life.
3. Loyalty is important: The apprentice’s loyalty to his master was a key factor in his success. He remained loyal even when he had the opportunity to cheat and betray his master.
4. Integrity is valuable: The apprentice’s integrity and strong moral character were important factors in his success. He chose to do the right thing, even when it was difficult.
5. Success is not just about money: The story shows that success is not just about making money. The apprentice’s success was also measured by his reputation and the respect he earned from others.

Origin of the Story: Nigeria