DON BOSCO SCHOOLS INDIA
THE SILENT LESSON
Fr (Dr) John Parankimalil SDB
Secretary, AIDBES
"Correction does much, but encouragement does more."
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Have you ever crossed paths with someone from your past who changed the course of your life? Imagine this moment: a young teacher spots an elderly man in a park. The man's face is weathered with age, each line a testament to years of wisdom and experience. The young teacher’s heart fills with gratitude as he recognizes his former mentor.
He approaches eagerly, his voice warm with respect.
“Sir, do you remember me?”
The elderly man looks at him, puzzled, then smiles apologetically.
“I’m sorry, I don’t,” he replies, his voice soft but kind.
The younger man isn’t discouraged. He beams as he says, “I was your student, sir. Because of you, I became a teacher.”
The old man’s face lights up with joy, his pride unmistakable.
“Ah, like me? What inspired you?”
The younger man pauses, recalling an incident that shaped his life forever. “Do you remember the day of the stolen watch?”
The elderly man’s brows furrow as he tries to recall. The young man begins narrating the unforgettable day from years ago.
In his school days, the young man had been tempted by a beautiful, shiny watch a classmate brought to school. Unable to resist, he slipped the watch into his own pocket. But soon, the owner realized it was missing and reported it to the teacher—the elderly man before him now.
Rather than accusing anyone or making a scene, the teacher calmly called the entire class together. “Let’s handle this fairly,” he said. “Everyone, stand in a circle and close your eyes.”
The students obeyed, their eyes tightly shut. The teacher then announced that he would search each student’s pockets to find the missing watch. He assured them no one’s dignity would be harmed.
When he reached the young man’s pocket, he found the stolen watch. But instead of stopping, the teacher continued checking every pocket in the circle, ensuring the young boy’s secret was safe. Once the search was over, the teacher held up the watch.
“You can all open your eyes. The watch is here,” he said, without revealing the thief’s identity.
The young man’s heart pounded with guilt and relief. The teacher didn’t scold, didn’t humiliate, didn’t even mention what had happened. The boy was left to grapple with his conscience. That silent lesson spoke louder than any lecture ever could.
The young teacher finished his story, his voice filled with emotion. “That day, sir, I learned more than just honesty. I learned compassion, respect, and the power of correction without humiliation. You didn’t just teach us subjects; you taught us values. You didn’t just instruct; you inspired.”
The elderly man smiled, his eyes moist with emotion. “I remember the stolen watch, but I don’t remember you.”
The younger man looked surprised. “How can that be?”
With a soft chuckle, the older man explained, “Because when I searched the pockets, my own eyes were closed. I didn’t want to see who it was. I only wanted to teach, not humiliate.”
The young teacher was struck silent. Gratitude overwhelmed him. He finally spoke, his voice heavy with admiration. “Sir, you showed me what it truly means to be an educator. If to correct, we must humiliate, then we have failed to teach.”
True teaching goes beyond academics; it touches the heart and shapes the character. Correction should build up, not tear down. Every action as an educator is an opportunity to inspire growth, kindness, and integrity.
"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all."
- Aristotle