Right and Wrong

The teacher had gathered his students together to attempt to impart some wisdom to them. Over the course of some weeks, the groups grew together and the members began to feel as if they were truly learning much from their teacher. One young man, however, was caught stealing from the group. Others reported him to the teacher and requested he be sent away as punishment. The teacher simply ignored the request and the situation and went on with the lessons. Some weeks later, another incident occurred and the same young man was again caught stealing. Again he was brought before the group and the teacher, and another request was made to have him removed for theft. As before, the teacher choose to ignore the group, not remove the thief and, to continue to teach his lessons. Now the other members of the group were angry. They discussed the situation and decided to confront the teacher and demand that the thief be expelled. If the teacher refused, then they would declare they would all leave and join in a study group elsewhere. The next day when the lesson was to begin, a spokesperson for the group arose and declared the group's position. The teacher listened to all the students had to say. When they were done, he stood.

"When we started, my intent was to impart knowledge. However, knowledge comes in many forms. Knowledge of right and wrong is also important. The majority of the people here know the difference between right and wrong. Obviously, this one young man has difficulty with this lesson. If I were to expel him from this group and end his learning, how would he learn the difference; what you have already learned. Yes, you others may leave and study elsewhere, but I will continue to teach here, and I will teach this young man until he learns right and wrong."

The lessons continued.