“A man was working in his garden when a stranger walked by and said: ‘I’ve decided to move to a new place. What are the people like in the nearby town?”
The gardener wiped off his hands on his trousers and asked the stranger: “What were the people like in the town where you used to live?”
“They were selfish, deceitful, and liars” – replied the stranger.
“Well, I’m afraid you’ll find that the people in this town are liars and crooks, too.”
“Thank you!” – the stranger replied, turned and walked in the opposite direction.
A little later another man approached the gardener, who was bent over pulling turnips.
“Excuse me” – the second stranger turned to him – “I’m thinking of moving to live somewhere else and I was wondering what the people in the nearby town are like?”
“And what were they like in the town you used to live in?”
“Oh, lovely! Everyone was kind and loving!”
“Well” – replied the gardener – “I think you’ll find the people in this town are kind and loving, too.”
“Thank you!” – replied the stranger, and continued in the direction of the nearby town.”
- Source: Parable Of The Two Villages
