The Devil's Prized Possesion

Thought You Might Enjoy This!

One day,  Satan was having a sale of his wares. On display, and offered for sale, were the rapier of jealousy, the dagger of fear, and the strangling noose of hatred, each with its own high price.

But standing alone on a purple pedestal was a worn and battered wedge. This was the devil's most prized possession, for with it alone he could stay in business. It was not for sale ... it was the wedge of discouragement.

Why do you suppose the devil valued so highly, and actually would not sell, the worn and battered wedge of discouragement? Makes you think doesn't it?

He prized discouragement because of its enfeebling, demoralizing effect. Hatred, fear or jealousy may lead an immature person to act unwisely, to fight, or to run. But at least they act. Discouragement on the other hand, hurts the person more than any of these. It causes the person to sit down, pity himself or herself and do nothing.

Now this doesn't have to happen, but unfortunately it all too frequently does. Not until we realize that discouragement is often a form of self pity, do we begin to take stock of ourselves and our predicament and decide to act ... to do something that will take us out of the unpleasant situation.

The answer to discouragement then is intelligent action. Get rid of discouragement before it gets rid of you. [emphasis added]

The devil might not survive without this priceless wedge ... but we can. 


This story was one of many inspiring messages told by Earl Nightingale.  

For those unfamiliar with him, Earl Nightingale was an American motivational speaker and author, known as the "Dean of Personal Development."   He was the voice in the early 1950s of Sky King, the hero of a radio adventure series, and was a WGN radio show host from 1950 to 1956.

Today his works continue through, not only his own website, but through countless others who are carrying on Mr. Nightingale's work today.  People like Bob Proctor--who by the way, sent me the above story via daily E-mail  messages!  :-)

For more information on Earl Nightingale, please visit   http://earlnightingale.com/