There were once three brothers, brought up in the same house, but each with a different set of eyes.

The first brother saw a mountain and perceived himself at the bottom.  Angry, confused and vengeful toward those whom he believed were above him, he decided to tackle the mountain himself and head to the very top. On his journey, he walked over some folk, attacked some others and even slayed a few.  Yet, arriving at the peak of the summit, the first brother searched about. He realized there was no one there to celebrate. Worse, he saw there had never been a mountain. Believing life conspired against him, this first brother became more angry, confused and vengeful than even before he began his journey.  

The second brother began life blind and saw himself at the top of the mountain. But when his eyes became clear and he awoke out of his stupor, he became troubled and unable to face his subjects. Suddenly realizing his mountain top position was acquired through stealth, subterfuge and chicanery, he decided on a new course. He embarked upon a trip down the mountain mending relationships, returning what belonged to others, and reinstating a few souls to their rightful positions. Having done so, brother number two found himself a happy, peaceful and contented man. Never looking behind, he hadn’t realized the mountain he travelled had lived only in his mind.  

Brother number three had remained at home. Seeing all there was from his position of happiness and contentment, he was pleased to bid his brothers adieu when they departed and welcome them back upon their return.  

Years passed and the brothers united again at the end of their lives. Brother number one and brother number two decided to query brother number three on the subject of the mountain journey.  

Why, brother three, did you never seek to tackle that mountain?  Have you no sense of initiative? No sense of conquest or spirit?

Happy, wise and possessing the finest of family eyesight, brother number three simply responded:  

Tell me, dear brothers, What is a mountain? 

Maura is an International Speaker on Self Leadership and Emotional Intelligence

Subscribe to Maura’s Blog

Subscribe to her Podcasts on iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play

Follow her on Twitter

Join Maura at the Ingomu Learning Community