Once there lived a man consumed by an inferiority complex. He walked through life believing he had nothing valuable to offer. Convinced that everyone around him was somehow better, somehow more worthy. Each day felt like a burden, as if he existed without purpose or meaning. One morning, desperate for answers, he visited a wise priest in his village. What is the value of my life? he asked, his voice trembling with uncertainty. The priest looked at him with kind eyes, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a simple stone. If you truly want to know the value of your life, the priest said, placing the stone in the man's palm, "Take this to the market. If anyone asks the price, say nothing. Just raise two fingers." Confused but obedient, the man made his way to the marketplace. He stood quietly in a corner where people passed by clutching the stone. After some time, a woman approached him, eyeing the stone with mild curiosity. What is the cost of this stone? She asked. The man remained silent and raised two fingers. "$2. I'll take it," she exclaimed. Shocked that anyone would pay for such an ordinary stone, the man hurried back to the priest. A woman at the market was willing to give $2 for the stone. He said breathlessly. The priest nodded calmly, "Now I want you to go to the auction arena. If anyone asks the price, do not say a word. Just raise two [music] fingers." The man traveled to the auction hall, a grander place filled with collectors and enthusiasts. He stood quietly holding the stone. After about an hour, an elderly gentleman approached him. examining the stone with interest. Sir, are you planning to sell this stone? If so, how much? Again, the man said nothing and raised two fingers. The old man's eyes lit up. $200? I'll take it. Astonished, the man rushed back to the priest once [music] more. An old man at the auction was ready to give $200 for this stone. He said bewildered. The priest smiled gently, "Good. Now there is one last place I want you to visit. Take the stone to the precious gem shop in the city. If anyone asks the price, just raise two fingers. The man journeyed to the city and entered the elegant shop. The moment the shop owner laid eyes on the stone, he gasped. This is it. This is the rare stone I've been searching for all these years. How much do you want for it? The man, following the priest's instruction, said nothing and raised two fingers. The shop owner's hands trembled with excitement. $200,000. Don, I'll buy it immediately. The man stood frozen in disbelief. His mind reeled as he made [music] his way back to the priest. The shop owner, he was ready to give $200,000 for the stone. He stammered. The priest looked at him with profound wisdom. Nor do you understand the value of your life. This stone never changed. It was always the same stone, but its value changed depending on where you placed it. He continued, "Life is all about where you position yourself. Your value can be $2 or $200,000. You must decide. For some people, you are just a passing shadow. They will use you and forget you and to them you will be worth nothing. But for others you are everything. They will cherish you, value you and never let you go. So it is up to you to decide where you place yourself in life. Each one of us possesses unique value and talents. Just because we are not appreciated in one place or by certain people does not mean we lack worth. Like the stone, our value doesn't diminish. We simply haven't found the right place where our true worth is recognized. We must keep exploring, developing our talents and working hard. One day we will find the place where our [music] gifts are not just accepted but celebrated. We will find people who see us not for what we lack but for the treasure we truly are. Your worth is not determined by those who fail to see it. Your worth is inherent. Waiting to be discovered in the right place at the right time by the right people.