Clever today, Wiser tomorrow
“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
― Rumi
“The Key of Change”
Setting: A winding path leading to the top of a hill, surrounded by crooked trees. The ground is rough, covered in half-buried stones that trip up the unwary traveler. Masterkey sits on a large rock, tapping his fingers on his knee. Hatta, restless and pacing, is clearly itching to do something. Anything. The sky is heavy with clouds, threatening rain.
Hatta: (throwing his hands up in exasperation)
Masterkey, I’m done thinking! All I’ve done for weeks is sit here, listen to your riddles, and wait for some kind of cosmic signal to strike me with wisdom. But it’s nothing but dust and silence! I’ve got ideas! I’ve got plans! Why aren’t we out there changing the world?
Masterkey: (grinning, tapping his chin)
Ah, Hatta, the clever one. You’re like a jack-in-the-box that’s been wound too tight—pop!—full of energy and no direction. You want to change the world? Wonderful! But, uh, have you changed your socks lately? Because the world isn’t going anywhere until you do that first.
Hatta: (stomping his foot, impatient)
What does my laundry have to do with any of this? I’m talking about BIG changes! You know, saving people, fixing things, making a real impact. Not sitting around waiting for… for… whatever you call this!
Masterkey: (raising an eyebrow, teasing)
Ah, so now you’re going to change the world, huh? You’ve got the energy, the enthusiasm, and—let me guess—a handful of really good intentions? Well, that’s a nice start. But intention, my dear Hatta, is like a piano with no strings. Looks impressive, but it won’t make a sound.
Hatta: (spinning around, arms flailing)
I don’t care about the piano! I care about doing something real. I’ve spent too long just thinking about what I could do. I’m ready to do it! What am I waiting for, some kind of sign? Some magical moment?
Masterkey: (chuckling to himself, amused)
Ah, I see. You want a sign? Well, how about this one: slow down! You can’t play a symphony on a kazoo, Hatta. The clever man thinks he’s ready. The wise man knows he’s got some notes to learn before he starts conducting.
Hatta: (groaning, throwing his arms wide)
I don’t want to slow down! Slowing down is like… like putting a leash on a tornado! I want to do something NOW. Why do I have to “learn notes”? I already know what I want to do!
Masterkey: (grinning, leaning back, pretending to think)
Well, you say you know what you want. But I’ve got a funny feeling you’re still looking for your own reflection in a puddle, expecting the moon to show up. Ever think maybe the reason you’re not making a difference is because you’re still trying to find the “perfect” place to start? The world isn’t a puzzle, Hatta. It’s more like a game of hopscotch—you don’t get to decide where the squares go. You just have to hop in and go.
Hatta: (staring at him, flustered, hands on hips)
So I’m supposed to just… start something, even if I don’t know where I’m going? But that’s… that’s crazy! What if I screw it up? I’m not ready yet!
Masterkey: (with a wicked grin)
Well, if you’re not ready yet, I suppose we’ll just sit here and wait for the perfect moment to strike, shall we? You know, the one where you’ve got it all figured out and nothing will ever go wrong. Spoiler alert: It won’t happen. The wise man knows that even when he’s holding the wrong map, he’s still going somewhere.
Hatta: (throwing his hands up in the air again)
So, what? I’m supposed to just stumble around until I get somewhere? That doesn’t sound like wisdom. That sounds like chaos.
Masterkey: (shrugging, unbothered)
Well, chaos can be a good thing. It’s how you shake the snow globe. But listen, Hatta, you’re trying to skip to the final chapter without reading the first one. You can’t change the world by just willing it into existence. You have to grow, like a tree. Ever seen a tree get mad because it’s not a forest yet?
Hatta: (squinting at him, voice dripping with sarcasm)
Oh, so now I’m a tree? Great. What’s next? Am I supposed to start branching out and stop complaining?
Masterkey: (laughing, shaking his head)
Well, if the shoe fits. But yes, sometimes, you have to let the branches grow on their own. It’s not about being the biggest tree in the forest; it’s about being the best tree you can be. Start small, Hatta. Change the things you can change. The rest will follow.
Hatta: (pausing, taking a deep breath, eyes narrowing as if trying to piece it together)
So… you’re saying that instead of rushing to change the whole world, I should start by changing… myself?
Masterkey: (giving a small, sly smile)
Ah, there you go. It only took a little extra energy. But yes. Yesterday you were clever—thinking you could move mountains with one big push. Today, you’re wise—thinking you can change yourself and let the mountains move on their own. A little bit of patience, a little bit of growth, and suddenly the world starts to look different.
Hatta: (muttering to himself, finally seeing the point)
So… no more rushing. I guess… I’ll start with the first step. Whatever that is.
Masterkey: (snapping his fingers)
Bingo! The first step. It’s always the hardest, because it feels like you’re just starting. But trust me, Hatta, the first step is the one that counts. Now, go on and take it. The world isn’t going anywhere. You might as well move it with the right foot.
Hatta stands there for a moment, still annoyed, still unsure, but the weight of Masterkey’s words is starting to sink in. He looks down at his feet, takes a small step forward, and then another. Maybe it’s not about the grand gestures after all. Maybe it’s just about moving forward… even if it’s one awkward, impatient step at a time.
