Seeking Wisdom from Elders

In the vast expanse of the Arctic Ocean, amidst the icy waters and hidden mysteries, lived a young Greenland shark named Nukka. Unlike his fellow sharks who would roam and hunt for prey, Nukka was different; he had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and sought wisdom beyond his years.


One bright morning, as the sun's rays pierced through the frozen surface, Nukka gathered his courage and decided to seek guidance from the oldest and wisest sharks in the depths. His heart pounded with excitement as he swam towards a solitary figure gliding gracefully through the water.


The shark he approached was an impressive 150 years old, covered in battle scars and boasting an aura of grandeur. Eager to learn, Nukka humbly asked, "Excuse me, venerable one, I seek wisdom and guidance from those who have seen more than I have. Can you share your wisdom with me?"


To Nukka's surprise, the older shark grinned mischievously and replied, "Ah, wisdom, young one! You'll find it someday, but right now, I prefer to live in the moment and enjoy the thrill of the hunt! Wisdom can wait!"


Disheartened but not deterred, Nukka pressed on and discovered a shark even older, over 200 years. This shark's size was immense, and his years were etched in the depths of his eyes. Eagerly, Nukka repeated his request, "O wise elder, please share your wisdom with me."


The 200-year-old shark chuckled softly and said, "My dear, I have lived a long time, but I'm still learning from the mistakes I've made. Until I accumulate enough wisdom from those errors, I cannot pass it on. Come back later."


Undeterred, Nukka continued his quest, determined to find the wisdom he craved. After swimming for days, he finally encountered a 250-year-old shark who was renowned for his knowledge among the ocean's creatures.


Hopeful yet cautious, Nukka made his request once more. The elder shark smiled kindly and said, "I apologize, young one, but my wisdom is still a work in progress. Speak with one of the 350-year-old sharks; they hold the wisdom you seek."


Though Nukka felt disheartened by these encounters, he didn't give up. With newfound determination, he traveled deeper into the Arctic's frigid depths, where the oldest and wisest sharks resided.

 

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he came face to face with a 350-year-old shark. This elder had a majestic presence, with ageless eyes that seemed to hold the knowledge of centuries. Nukka gathered his courage and made his plea, "O venerable one, I have searched far and wide for wisdom. Can you share your wisdom with me?"


The wise 350-year-old shark smiled warmly, "Ah, my young friend, I have been eagerly waiting for a curious soul like you to seek my wisdom. Throughout my long existence, I have learned the value of patience, the importance of balance, and the beauty of understanding the interconnectedness of all living beings. I have seen countless ages pass, and I've learned that wisdom is not only about mistakes or time but also about compassion and empathy."


Nukka listened intently, captivated by the elder's words. The old shark continued, "Wisdom is not confined to a specific age; it comes from the experiences and insights one gains throughout their journey. Embrace your thirst for knowledge, be open to the lessons life offers, and you will find wisdom in unexpected places."


Grateful for the wisdom bestowed upon him, Nukka thanked the elder shark and swam away with a heart full of newfound understanding. From that day forward, he embraced the beauty of the present while still cherishing his quest for knowledge and wisdom. With every encounter and experience, Nukka realized that wisdom was not solely the domain of the old, but a treasure that could be discovered at any stage of life's journey.


--
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Phil Shapiro, pshapiro@his.com
https://opensource.com/users/pshapiro

He/Him/His

"Wisdom begins with wonder." - Socrates
"Learning happens thru gentleness."
"We must reinvent a future free of blinders so that we can choose from real options."  David Suzuki

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