By the riverside, a forest grew with all kinds of trees. These trees devoted all their energy to growing taller, neglecting to strengthen their roots, because being tall and beautiful was more important to them.
Among them stood a laurel tree. It dedicated all its effort to reinforcing its roots and, as a result, was mocked by the other trees in the forest.
“Laurel tree! Why waste all your energy on roots? Look at us! Who doesn’t admire our lush branches, fragrant flowers, and tall, strong stature?”
The laurel tree remained unmoved:
“I will continue to strengthen my roots because I want to provide leaves for those in need.”
No matter how it explained, the other trees did not stop their ridicule.
Then one day, a strong wind blew. All the trees in the forest, whose roots were weak, were toppled, but the laurel tree stood firm and unharmed.
Only then did the other trees understand: in times of hardship, what truly supports us is not our glamorous appearance or charming image, but our roots—the strength within our hearts.