Story about happiness: The Value Of Time

After many years of hard work, a middle-aged businessman had built up an impressive fortune, three million dollars in total. He had spent decades negotiating deals, expanding his enterprises, and accumulating wealth, all with the belief that money could secure a life of comfort and luxury. Finally, he decided that it was time to take a well-deserved break. He planned to spend a whole year living in the finest comforts his fortune could buy, indulging in luxuries and enjoying the fruits of his labor. But just as he was ready to set aside his daily grind and embark on this luxurious sabbatical, something extraordinary happened. The Angel of Death, a timeless messenger whose presence signified the end of life, appeared before him. With an aura of quiet finality, the Angel beckoned the businessman, indicating that his time on earth had come to an end. Now, this businessman was known far and wide for his formidable negotiating skills. Even in the face of death, he could not help but try to bargain for more time. In his first desperate attempt, he proposed, through measured and careful words, that if the Angel would grant him three additional days of life, he would part with one million dollars, one-third of his amassed wealth. The businessman believed that, with those extra three days, he could enjoy a taste of the luxury he had long planned for.

However, the Angel of Death, unmoved and resolute, did not accept this offer. Not willing to let go so easily, the businessman tried a different strategy. He reasoned that if three days were too many, then perhaps two days would suffice. With quiet determination, he offered that if granted two more days of life, he would give the Angel two million dollars, which was two-thirds of his fortune. Once again, the Angel stood firm, refusing to be swayed by the lure of wealth. Undeterred by the rejections and desperate to extend his time on earth even a little longer, the businessman made one final, heartfelt plea. He explained that he wished for just one more day, a single day to savor the beauty of the world, to enjoy the splendor of nature, and most importantly, to spend a little time with his family, whom he had neglected during his years of relentless pursuit of riches. In this final proposal, he declared that if he were granted one extra day, he would willingly offer his entire fortune of three million dollars. But the Angel of Death was unyielding, and no matter how many arguments or sums of money were offered, the decision remained the same. In a final, quiet moment of desperation, the businessman changed his request. Rather than bargaining for more life through wealth, he asked the Angel if he might be granted just a small amount of time, a brief moment to write a short message to his children, to leave them with some parting wisdom before his departure. This humble request touched something deep within the Angel. Moved by the genuine need to pass on a final message of care, the Angel granted the businessman his wish. Seated in a quiet, reflective solitude, the businessman carefully wrote a letter addressed to his beloved children. In his words, he advised them, “Dear loved ones, make good use of your time on earth. I have learned that even three million dollars could not buy me even one hour more of life. Please always remember that the true treasures in life cannot be bought with money. Cherish every moment, know in your heart what is of real value, and focus your attention on what truly matters.”