The Arrival of a New King

In the vast savanna of Africa, the animals lived under the rule of a wise and old lion named King Roho. After many years of just reign, King Roho decided to step down and let his young and strong son, Simba, take the throne.

Simba was excited and eager to prove himself as a worthy leader. He wanted to make big changes and show everyone that he was not just his father’s son but a great king in his own right.

The Meeting with Old Tortoise, Tiki

Before King Roho retired, he called Simba and said, "My son, remember the wise old tortoise, Tiki. He has seen many seasons and knows the secrets of power. Visit him and learn from his wisdom."

Simba, though confident, respected his father’s advice. He visited Tiki, who lived by a calm river under a large baobab tree.

“Tiki,” Simba began, “I am the new king. What is the most important lesson I should learn about power?”

Tiki smiled slowly, his old eyes twinkling. “Simba, the first and most important law of power is: Never Outshine the Master.”

The Lesson of the Master

Simba was puzzled. “Never outshine the master. What does that mean?”

Tiki explained, “In any hierarchy, whether among animals or humans, there is always someone above you in position or influence. If you try to outshine them, you make them feel insecure and threatened. This can lead to jealousy and resentment, which are dangerous for anyone in a position of power.”

The wise tortoise continued, “Show respect and acknowledge the strengths of those above you. This will make them feel secure and more likely to support you. By doing so, you gain their trust and secure your position.”

Applying the Wisdom

Simba took Tiki’s words to heart. When he returned to his kingdom, he did not rush to change everything or make grand displays of power. Instead, he honored his father, King Roho, by seeking his counsel and publicly praising his wisdom and achievements.

Whenever Simba made improvements or introduced new ideas, he attributed them to the foundation laid by his father. The animals of the savanna saw that Simba respected his father’s legacy, which made them respect Simba even more.

The Strength of Humility

Time passed, and Simba’s reign was marked by harmony and growth. King Roho was pleased to see his son ruling wisely and supporting the young king whenever needed.

One day, Tiki visited the court. Simba welcomed him with great honor and shared how Tiki’s advice had helped him. “By not trying to outshine my father, I gained his support and the loyalty of the kingdom,” Simba said.

Tiki nodded approvingly. “You have learned well, Simba. Remember, true power lies not in making others feel small, but in making them feel valued and respected.”

Moral of the Story

In positions of power, it’s important to recognize and respect those above you. By doing so, you secure their support and strengthen your own position. Never outshine the master, but instead, build on their legacy to create your own.