Why It Is OK To Have No Ambition In Life? - a zen short story

Dare to do. Motivation・2 minutes read

Zawa's first day of school marked a shift from his simple life of helping his father, a woodcutter named Caillou, as poverty prevented him from attending school before. Initially puzzled by the concept of ambition, Zawa eventually chose to become a doctor to conform to societal expectations, understanding that happiness can also be found in simplicity.

Insights

  • Zawa's transition from a life of assisting his father as a Woodcutter to attending school at 15 due to his father's aspirations for his education illustrates the clash between personal contentment and societal expectations.
  • The struggle faced by Zawa in comprehending and aligning with the concept of ambition, as emphasized by his teacher, highlights the tension between following individual desires and conforming to societal norms for success and acceptance.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What was Zawa's occupation before attending school?

    Woodcutter

  • Why did Zawa's father want him to attend school?

    Better future

  • What concept did Zawa struggle to understand in school?

    Ambition

  • What did Zawa ultimately decide to become?

    Doctor

  • What led Zawa to play along with the school's expectations?

    Happiness in simplicity

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Zawa's struggle with ambition and contentment

  • Zawa's first day of school at 15 years old marked a significant change from his life of helping his father, a Woodcutter named Caillou, on the hill.
  • Due to poverty, Zawa had never been to school, but his father dreamed of him receiving an education for a better future.
  • Zawa, unfamiliar with the concept of ambition, struggled to understand its meaning when asked by his teacher in class.
  • The teacher emphasized the importance of having ambition and a goal in life, which left Zawa perplexed about the necessity of walking a predetermined path.
  • Zawa's simple desire to continue cutting wood, drinking tea, and sleeping brought confusion and frustration from the teacher, highlighting the clash between ambition and contentment.
  • Ultimately, Zawa's realization that happiness and satisfaction can be found in simplicity led him to play along with the school's expectations, choosing to become a doctor to fit in with societal norms.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.