The Gain in the Loss

In days gone by, there lived a scholar who had many admirers. However, there was one individual who was unbearably jealous of him and disputed everything he said.

“Every misfortune has a blessing in it, however small. Every loss has a gain hidden within it, no matter how insignificant,” the scholar once remarked to a gathering of his followers. The jealous fellow overheard this statement but found no opportunity to challenge it.

Years passed, and unfortunately, the scholar grew blind. One day, the envious man approached him with a mocking tone, asking, “The other day you claimed that every misfortune contains a blessing and every loss holds a gain—however small. Now that you have lost your sight, where is the blessing or gain in this?”

Calmly, the scholar replied, “Until a moment ago, I too was pondering what my blessing or gain might be from this misfortune. Now I understand what it is. You see, I have been spared the misfortune of having to see your face!”