A philosophy professor stood befote his class
and had some ítems in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly
he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to
fill it with rocks, about 2” in diameter.
He then asked the class if the jar was full – they agreed it was.
So, the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into
the jar, and shook it lightly. The pebbles of course rolled into the
open areas between the rocks. He then asked the students again if the
jar was full – they agreed it was.
Next, the professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.
Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He then asked the students
again if the jar was full, and they replied unanimously - “Yes”
The professor then produced a bottle of red wine from under the table
and proceeded to pour the entire contents into the jar - effectively
filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
“Now,” said the professor, as the laughter subsided, “I
want you all to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks
are the important things - your family, your partner, your health, your
children - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained,
your life would still be full.”
“The pebbles are the other things that matter, like your job,
your house, your car. The sand is everything else - the small stuff.”
“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued,
“there is no room for the things that are important to you. Pay
attention to things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your
children. Take time to get medical check-ups. Take your partner out
dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give
a dinner party and fix the disposal. Take care of the rocks first –
the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just
sand.”
One of the students raised her hand and enquired what the wine represented.
The professor smiled.
”I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show that no matter
how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a good bottle
of wine.”
