Story about happiness: The meaning of the black dot on a white paper

One day, a professor walked into his classroom with a thoughtful expression. He looked at his students and announced that they would be having a surprise test. The students exchanged nervous glances, unsure of what to expect, as they anxiously waited at their desks. The professor moved around the room, handing out the test papers face-down, as was his usual practice. But when he finished distributing them, he gave a simple instruction: “Turn over your papers and begin.” As the students flipped their sheets, they were met with an unexpected sight, there were no questions, no instructions, just a single black dot in the center of an otherwise blank sheet of paper. The students looked up at the professor in confusion. Seeing their puzzled expressions, the professor spoke again, “I want you to write about what you see on this paper.” Although still uncertain, the students picked up their pens and began writing. Some described the size and shape of the dot, others analyzed its position, its contrast against the white background, or what it might symbolize. Each student, in their own way, focused entirely on the black dot, as if trying to uncover a hidden meaning.

When time was up, the professor collected the papers and began reading them aloud, one by one. As he went through each response, a pattern emerged, every student had written about the black dot. Not a single one had mentioned the vast white space surrounding it. The room grew silent as the students waited for the professor’s judgment. Who had written the best answer? Who had come closest to what he expected? The professor smiled and addressed the class. “I am not going to grade this test. This was not about getting the right answer. Instead, I wanted to teach you something important.” He paused for a moment before continuing. “Every single one of you focused only on the black dot. You analyzed its position, its size, and its meaning, but not one of you wrote about the white space surrounding it. The same thing happens in life. We tend to focus only on the dark spots, our struggles, our worries, our fears. We become consumed by our health problems, financial difficulties, conflicts with family or friends, disappointments, and setbacks. These problems are real, but they are just a small part of the bigger picture.”

The professor’s voice grew gentler as he spoke. “We often forget to acknowledge the good things, the love we receive, the moments of joy, the opportunities we have, and the countless blessings that fill our lives. The black dots may exist, but they should not be the only thing we see. Life is like this sheet of paper, full of white space, full of possibilities, and yet, we choose to dwell on the dark spots.” The students sat quietly, reflecting on his words. The professor then gave them one final piece of advice. “Take your eyes away from the black dots in your life. Do not let negativity consume your thoughts. Instead, appreciate the white space. Recognize the beauty, the kindness, the love, and the happiness that surround you every single day. Shift your focus, and you will find that life is much brighter than it sometimes seems.” The lesson stayed with the students long after the class ended. From that day on, they began to notice not just the black dots in their lives, but also the vast expanse of white space filled with hope, gratitude, and endless possibilities.