Paulo Coelho

This is a story from the life of the world-renowned writer Paulo Coelho.

It was a time before Paulo had found fame. He wandered in search of new experiences and insights. During his many travels, while passing through Greece, he ran out of money.

He felt an immense hunger and stopped in front of a small hotel. Since he had no money, he just looked inside from the street.

At the same moment, the hotel owner noticed Paulo. He understood the situation. The owner came out, brought Paulo inside, gave him a meal for free, and sent him on his way.

Many years later, Paulo had grown into a famous writer. He once felt the desire to see the old hotel owner and return the favor.

But when he reached the old location, the hotel was no longer there. He was told that the owner lived on a farm 200 kilometers away.

Paulo went there, met him, and asked, "What can I do for you?"

The man immediately replied, "That day, you came to me because you were overcome with hunger. I helped you when you had no money. But I am not in the same situation now. So, you can't repay what I did then in the same way."

Paulo Coelho embraced him with love. Then, he walked back.

The moral of the story: Some kindnesses and debts of gratitude cannot be repaid in the same way. Time determines everything.