It appears as though we’re moving in the right direction with our “Generational Gems” category as I’ve received a number of comments from readers that appreciate the revival of some favorite “classics,” others have been reminded of “Gems” they had totally forgotten, and a few others are now making a concerted effort to pass some of their favorites on to the younger generation in hopes of keeping them alive.
In my opinion, today’s gem should be required reading in grade school. If I had been exposed to this captivating tale at that age, I feel quite certain I would have spent more time and energy evaluating my local environment for obvious advantages that offered potential value in my search for success.
This story was inspired by a true story with an ageless moral and was originally communicated as a lecture. If you’d like to learn more about the historical background of this narrative, the author, it’s remarkable popularity and growth over 165 years, and it’s similarity to two major movie paragons, visit our web site. Acres of Diamonds is one of the ten new book reviews we recently added to our suggested reading list … bring our total to 170 reviews.
ACRES OF DIAMONDS
This is the story about a farmer who lived in Africa on a good-sized plot of land. Over the years, the farmer learned that diamonds were being discovered in abundance all over the African continent. He got so excited about the idea of millions of dollars worth of diamonds that he sold his farm and began his search for fame and fortune. Leaving his family behind, he wandered all over the continent, constantly searching for diamonds which he never found. Eventually he went completely broke and, in despair, threw himself into a river and drowned.
Meanwhile, the new owner of his farm picked up an unusual-looking rock about the size of a country egg and put it on his mantle as a sort of curiosity. A visitor stopped by and in viewing the rock practically went into terminal convulsions. He told the new owner of the farm that the funny looking rock on his mantle was about the biggest diamond that had ever been found. The new owner of the farm said, “Heck, the whole farm is covered with them” and sure enough it was. The farm turned out to be the Kimberly Diamond Mine … the richest the world has ever known. The original farmer was literally standing on “Acres of Diamonds” until he sold his farm.
Can the same be said of you? In your search for a better job, new home, fashionable friends, better education, additional experience, good employees, greater riches, peace of mind, contentment … consider looking much closer to home. Think about the possibility of finding the riches of life in one’s own back yard. For instance, are you searching for new employees rather than developing the potential of those currently on your payroll?
Discuss this classic with your team and consider the multitude of gems waiting to be mined within your own “Acres of Diamonds”… where the true riches of life may be found.
About Harry K. Jones
Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.