There once was a man with calloused hands and a quiet life.
Each morning, he climbed the mountain with his tools, cutting stones with steady patience. He didn’t have riches, servants, or status—just sweat, strength, and a sense of purpose.
But one day, everything shifted.
While delivering stone to a wealthy merchant’s mansion, he paused. The marble floors. The silk robes. The gentle life.
And a voice inside him whispered, “You could be more.”
Let Me Explain:
The parable of the stonecutter is a tale that echoes deep truths about human desire and the illusion of power.
Each time the stonecutter saw someone more “powerful” than himself—first the rich man, then the king, the sun, the cloud, and the mountain—he wished to become them.
But power kept shifting.
Until one day, as a mighty mountain, he felt the sharp strike of a tool at his base.
A stonecutter.
Just like the man he once was.
The full circle revealed the truth: the power he sought was within him all along.
Let’s Deep Dive:
1. The Cycle of Comparison
We chase titles, wealth, influence.
We see someone with more and assume they are better, stronger, freer. But often, they are not happier. They’re just on a different chapter of the same book.
2. The Illusion of Power
From the sun to the cloud, from the king to the mountain—every role seemed mighty until it was challenged.
There’s always something “greater.” Until you realize, strength isn’t about position. It’s about presence.
3. The Quiet Power Within
The stonecutter was overlooked. Ordinary.
But he shaped mountains. He carved beauty. He created foundations others stood on.
What if you’re not small?
What if you’re just in the part of the story where your power hasn’t been fully realized?
Bringing It Home:
You may be wishing for a new title, a better role, a “higher” place in life.
But before you chase the next identity—pause.
Maybe, just maybe, you’re already the mountain.
Maybe, the strength you’ve been seeking is already in your hands.
The stonecutter teaches us this:
Don’t underestimate the power of becoming, simply because it doesn’t come with a crown.
Your Turn:
What identity are you chasing right now?
What would happen if, instead of looking outward, you honored the role you’re already playing?
Reflect on it.
Write it down.
And maybe—just maybe—you’ll realize:
You’ve been powerful all along.
Learning never stops.
Take a moment to reflect and act on what resonates with you.
Keep evolving.
– MJ Nyota
