The Demon of Gain
and the perils of progress
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In a quiet village there lived a virtuous farmer. Loved and respected by family and friends, he was content and at peace with his humble life.
However, tragedy struck when one night his farm was poisoned, likely by a local rival, and he lost everything.
His entire livelihood wiped out, he was cast into a metaphorical pit of despair.
As he grappled with his situation, a voice echoed from above.
"Dear farmer, you are in a deep pit," the man said. "A man as virtuous and revered as you should not have to be in such a state. Please, take this ladder to climb out of this pit so you can provide for your family and preserve your honor. If you press it just like this it will extend as high as the heavens."
The farmer thought to himself, I've lived a virtuous life, and although I have much less than those around me, I've always been content. But why should I be in this pit? I can't serve anyone if I can't see the light of day.
"Ok, I accept your offer. I'll use this ladder to climb out of this hole and then you can have it back."
"As you wish," replied the stranger, lowering the ladder.
"Before you go, pray tell me your name, my dear benefactor."
"You may call me Ambition."
The farmer, it turned out, was an adept climber and made it out of the hole in a day. Being a man of his word, he stretched his arms, smiling at the sun, and laid the ladder up against the wall of his home to await the return of its owner.
However, the next day, disaster struck again. The unknown rival had set his brother's farm ablaze. Distraught, the brother sought the farmer's aid.
Without hesitation, the farmer left his house, seeking Ambition. Finding him just around the corner from his house, he pleaded "I need your ladder a bit longer to help my brother out of a pit of his own."
Ambition, masking a sly grin, nodded. "Indeed, for such a noble cause! Keep it as long as you need."
The farmer, known for his hard work, soon used the ladder to save his brother from ruin.
Laying awake that night he thought to himself, There are many people suffering in this world. A man like me could use this ladder to help others out of pits of their own. It takes resources to build all of those ladders. And does not God wish for one of his followers to steward such resources?"
So the following day he began to climb in earnest, for the sake of others. But with each new height, a subtle change occurred. The glint in Ambition’s eye now reflected in his own. The joy of simple days was replaced by an insatiable hunger for more. With every ascent, the memory of what truly mattered faded, replaced by the intoxication of progress.
As the suns passed, the farmer’s health and bonds frayed, unnoticed by him. His obsession now - the next peak. But each climb unveiled a false summit, always revealing yet another, higher peak to climb.
One night, as he was ascending to his greatest height yet, he heard distant laughter. Racing up, he rejoiced. It was his friend, Ambition!
"Hello my friend! So nice to see a familiar face! What brings you up here at this late hour?"
However, Ambition, with an eeriness, took off a mask to reveal another identity.
"The Demon of Gain sends his regards," the figure jeered, pushing the farmer into an abyss 100 times deeper than before.
Upon awakening, by dim light the farmer saw a faint figure - a rope. Perhaps, a second chance offered by forgotten virtue.
