Two seeds lay side by side in the fertile spring soil. The first seed said, 'I want to grow! I want to send my roots deep into the earth and push my sprouts through the crust above me. I want to unfurl my buds like banners to announce the arrival of spring and feel the warmth of the sun on my face.' And so she grew. The second seed said, 'I am afraid. If I send my roots into the dark, I do not know what I will encounter. If I push through the hard ground, I may damage my delicate sprouts. What if a snail tries to eat me? It is much safer to wait here until it is completely secure.' So she waited. A yard hen, scratching the soil for food in the early morning, found the waiting seed and promptly ate it.
Growth requires the courage to face the unknown; those who refuse to take risks out of fear are eventually consumed by the very life they were trying to avoid.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of The Two Seeds?
The moral is that growth and progress require the courage to face uncertainty. Staying in a 'comfort zone' out of fear does not provide safety, but rather leads to stagnation and missed opportunities.
Who is the author of The Two Seeds?
While often categorized as an anonymous wisdom tale, this story has been popularized by modern motivational speakers like Leo Buscaglia and Janet Konkel. It draws on ancient agricultural metaphors common in global folklore.
What happens to the second seed?
The second seed decides to wait for a perfectly safe moment to grow, fearing the dangers of the outside world. Because it remains dormant and hidden in the shallow soil, it is eventually found and eaten by a passing hen.
What does the soil symbolize in the story?
The soil symbolizes the environment of life—fertile with potential but also filled with challenges. It represents the 'ground' from which all possibilities arise if one is willing to push through the initial darkness.
Advertisement
Good night.
