Two little boys were blessed by an extraordinary nanny. Eight and ten, bright and curious, they were the sons of newly mega wealthy parents, rich in money and poor in time. She was Bulgarian, brought up with the joy and initiative of a nation rediscovering itself after a long period of hibernation. She was skilled in everyday things, with an open heart which invited
others, even strangers, to share and connect.
The boys loved her and sometimes called her their number two Mummy.
Every night before sleep she read or told them stories which had excited her as a child. Stories of foolish characters like Candide who believed everything in the world was the best it could possibly be, despite the most terrible sufferings. Of gallant warriors like Don Quixote who would tilt at windmills rather than backdown, if he thought they lacked virtue. Of characters in history like Gilgamesh who journeyed after truth, and the Three Musketeers who guarded their honour above all else.
One evening she read them the Tales of Ashok which she was reading for the first time herself. Together they found them enchanting. The children fell in love with Ashok as he went on his great journey, called by he knew not who, to sort problems which were overwhelming the world. They saw how he made connections between things which were previously neglected. They travelled with him when he soared above the world and saw things with new eyes. Above all, they loved the way he listened attentively to what people had to say and made them feel welcome.
When they had said their prayers and were settling for sleep they murmured to the nanny, “You are so much like Ashok. Can we also be like him?”
That night she cried tears of joy at the compliment they had paid her, and their discovery of the wonder of the world and the excitement of being part of it.
The next morning as they approached the bus stop on the way to school the boys took notice for the first time of the lady who stood waiting for the same bus as them every day, looking weary and worn down as though she had nothing to look forward to.
On this particular day, however, they surprised themselves by saying good morning to her in the voices of angels which children especially have. She looked startled at first but then smiled at the simple joy of being spoken to and recognised. Soon all three were chattering like birds on the wire, new friends oblivious of all the times before when they had stood silently and separately in the same place.
Nanny watched the tiny flame of Ashok kindle in the hearts of these two tiny persons she loved so much. They were born with the goodness to be teachers in the new world.
An Encounter with an Architect of Conciliation
Authors
Leslie is an economist who challenges economics’ dominance in public life. His work includes social autobiographies, Little Books of the Common Good and other essays. Find out more about our authors.
Epiphanies
Ashok sows the seeds for personal and community transformations. Read about individuals and communities that have taken on the transformative spirit of Ashok.
Where to buy
Epiphanies
Ashok sows the seeds for personal and community transformations. Read about individuals and communities that have taken on the transformative spirit of Ashok.
Where to buy
Find out more on how to purchase a copy of the book. All profits from the sale of this book will be donated to charity.
Find out more on how to purchase a copy of the book. All profits from the sale of this book will be donated to charity.
Find out more on how to purchase a copy of the book. All profits from the sale of this book will be donated to charity.
Find out more on how to purchase a copy of
the book. All profits from the sale of this book will be donated to charity.Authors
Epiphanies
Where to buy
Leslie is an economist who challenges economics’ dominance in public life. His work includes social autobiographies, Little Books of the Common Good and other essays. Find out more about our authors.
Ashok sows the seeds for personal and community transformations. Read about individuals and communities that have taken on the transformative spirit of Ashok.
Find out more on how to purchase a copy of the book. All profits from the sale of this book will be donated to charity.