In a small village lived Wang Ming, a 16-year-old boy from a poor family. He had a dream to become a great runner.

Wang Ming wasn’t the fastest, nor the smartest in the school. But he had one silent power. For two years, he kept training every morning. And he took part in every local race but always came second or third. His friends laughed at him and said he was wasting his time. Yet, he kept running day after day.

One rainy day, Wang Ming fell over and hurt his foot. Tired and depressed, he sat under a tree, crying sadly. An old farmer asked why. After hearing his story, the farmer pointed to a bamboo forest. “Do you know how long it takes bamboo to grow? For five years, nothing shows above the ground. But during that time, the roots (根) are growing strong. Then, it shoots up nearly 80 feet tall before you know it. That’s the power of never giving up, son. You should be like bamboo.”

One year later came a big race. Wang Ming crossed the finishing line first and won the following races. He finally achieved his dream to be a top runner.

Years later, Wang Ming met the farmer again. “Your words saved me from giving up.” he said. The farmer replied, “I only reminded you. You always have the power.”