In ancient Japan, when a new student seeks admission to study at a monastery, he is required to have an audience with the master, a sort of pre- entrance interview if you will.

One day, an intelligent student appeared before the master for such a session. As they sat together, the young man started to impress the master with his knowledge and accomplishments.

When the master offered tea to him, he continued speaking without acknowledging the master; so absorbed was he in his own cleverness. All of a sudden, he jumped up, reacting to the hot tea flooding over the tabletop and dripping onto his legs.

“Master!” he shouted. “The cup is overflowing!” The Master continued pouring the tea, spilling it on to the floor. Then he replied, “So are you. Please come back when you are empty and in need of my teaching.”

Keep your mind humble and open to new ideas. You’ll learn much more in the process, and continue to develop as a human being.

As Ray Kroc, founder of McDonald’s once said, “When you are green, you will grow; but when you ripen, you will rot and fall.”