Updated on June 1, 2025
Wisdom over wealth isn’t just a moral concept—it’s a principle that can determine the quality, longevity, and meaning of our lives. In today’s fast-paced world, many are lured by flashy salaries and prestigious roles without stopping to evaluate the real risks or asking a fundamental question: Is this right for me? This is a story about three cockroaches, a farmer, and a powerful lesson about making wise choices, especially when the stakes are high.
Let’s dive into this modern fable and discover the profound life lessons that apply to career decisions, personal safety, and the pursuit of meaningful success. Along the way, we’ll reflect on how true wealth is wisdom, not just digits in a bank account.
A Tale of Wisdom Over Wealth
A Generous Encounter with Opportunity
On a scorching afternoon, three hungry cockroaches stumbled upon a compassionate farmer. He offered them slices of bread and pieces of cheese—a rare gift in their usual struggle for survival. They gratefully ate their fill and saved some for their families.
As they turned to leave, the farmer made a surprising offer:
“Dear roaches, I see you wandering here daily, surviving on crumbs. I offer you more than a meal—I offer a future. Come work on my farm. You’ll have honest pay, daily meals, and a safe home for your families.”
Naturally intrigued, the cockroaches asked what work was involved and how much they would earn. The farmer explained there were four job roles available, each with different responsibilities and salaries:
- Chicken Feeder – Alerting the chickens when their food is served: $3,000/month
- Garlic Slicer – Peeling and cutting garlic for cooking: $5,000/month
- Lizard Chaser – Driving away pests from the crops: $4,000/month
- Goat Entertainer – Singing and dancing for the goats: $250/month
This was no ordinary job offer—it was a decision that required thinking deeply, not just reacting to numbers.
Three Choices, Three Mindsets
The First Cockroach – Chasing High Pay
The first cockroach immediately declared:
“I’ll take the garlic slicing job! It pays the most—$5,000 a month. I’d be crazy to ignore that!”
This decision reflects how many people operate today—choosing based on salary alone, without considering if the work is suitable, sustainable, or safe.
The Second Cockroach – Balancing Pay and Preference
The second roach chimed in:
“I’ll go for the lizard-chasing job. $4,000 is still great, and I’d rather be active than entertain goats.”
This one balanced earnings and interest, but still didn’t think through the risks involved in facing predators.
The Third Cockroach – Choosing Safety and Sustainability
The third cockroach paused thoughtfully, then said:
“I’ll choose to entertain the goats—for $250.”
Her friends gasped. “Are you mad? That’s the lowest-paying job!”
But she simply smiled, offering no defence. Little did they know, she was making the wisest choice of all.
Tragedy Strikes: The Cost of Poor Decisions
The next morning, all three started their respective jobs. But just hours later, the first and second cockroaches were found dead.
The garlic’s pungent smell had poisoned the first, and the second had been caught and eaten by a lizard while trying to chase it away.
The farmer, shocked, called the third cockroach and asked:
“Why did you choose the lowest-paying job, when you could have earned more?”
She replied with calm and confidence:
“Because I chose wisdom over wealth. Chickens eat cockroaches. Garlic’s smell is toxic to us. Lizards are our natural predators. Singing for goats might seem silly and low-paying, but it’s safe, sustainable, and smart.”
The Hidden Value of Wise Decisions
This story isn’t just about cockroaches—it’s about us. It’s about the thousands of people who accept jobs based solely on salary, ignoring toxic environments, poor work-life balance, or emotional burnout. It’s about those who confuse money with meaning, and title with truth.
How To Shape A Bright Future: The Power Of Present Decisions
Here are some powerful takeaways from this tale of wisdom over wealth:
1. Assess Risk Before Reward
What good is a paycheck if it comes at the cost of your mental or physical health? Like the garlic and lizards, some roles may offer great money but come with hidden dangers. In real life, this can be:
- A high-paying job in a toxic workplace
- A leadership role with no support system
- A startup with huge potential but no stability
Example: Many professionals burn out in high-stress jobs within just a few years of their careers. They earn well, but they often sacrifice peace of mind, relationships, or even their health.
2. Choose According to Your Strengths
The third cockroach understood what she could safely do. In life, not every opportunity is meant for you. A job someone else thrives in might be your downfall.
Example: A creative individual may thrive in a data-driven role, even if it pays more. Someone who loves people may struggle in isolated environments.
Choosing roles aligned with your skills, temperament, and values isn’t just smart—it’s sustainable.
3. Redefine Success
Too often, people equate money with success. But meaningful success is about a balanced life, mental peace, and the ability to do work you’re proud of.
The goat entertainer may not earn much, but she’s alive, valued, and happy. Her job carries purpose without pressure—and that’s priceless.
Example: Teachers, social workers, and artists may not be millionaires, but they often report higher life satisfaction than those in high-pressure corporate roles.
4. Don’t Follow the Herd
Just because everyone’s chasing high-paying roles doesn’t mean it’s the right path for you. True wealth is wisdom, not following trends blindly.
The third cockroach didn’t follow her peers—she followed her insight, and that saved her life.
Applying This Story to Your Career and Life
If you’re evaluating career offers, considering a life change, or feeling pressure to make a decision, use this story to guide your thought process.
Ask yourself:
- Is this opportunity aligned with my values and strengths?
- What hidden risks might exist?
- Will this support my mental and emotional well-being?
- Am I choosing this for money, prestige, or meaning?
The Moral: Think Before You Leap
“Be mindful of the offers you receive. Not every opportunity, no matter how glamorous or lucrative, is meant for you.”
This story reminds us that the value of wise choices far outweighs the glitter of quick gains. In a world that glorifies hustle, promotions, and status, it takes courage to choose peace, purpose, and personal safety.
You don’t have to chase what everyone else is chasing. You just need to choose what sustains you.
Conclusion
Wisdom over wealth isn’t about rejecting money—it’s about putting life first. Make decisions not just for today’s pay but for tomorrow’s peace. Be like the third cockroach: deliberate, thoughtful, and courageous.
Success doesn’t always come dressed in gold. Sometimes, it sings and dances among goats.
Making Decisions: The Key to Unlocking Your Full Potential
Thank you for taking the time to explore this post. I hope you found it both insightful and enjoyable.
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PVM
Story Credits: Remember FB
Mathukutty P. V. is the founder of Simply Life Tips, a blogger, content writer, influencer, and YouTuber passionate about learning and sharing. Guided by “Simple Living, Creative Thinking,” he believes in the power of knowledge sharing and lifelong learning.
