There is a parable told about a pencil maker who took each pencil aside before putting it "finished" into a box. He would tell the pencil, "There are five things you need to know before I send you out into the world to be the best you can be:
- You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to work with others.
- You will need to experience some sharpening from time to time, but it will make you better.
- You can correct a mistake by changing it.
- The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside.
- On every surface you cover, you must leave your mark."
The pencil understood, promised to remember and went into the box.
