Chameleon Magazine

A mother handed her daughter an old violin case and said,

“This has been in our family for generations. Before I give it to you, I want you to see what people think it’s worth. Start with the music shop in town.”

The daughter went to the shop, returned, and said,

“They offered me £150. They said it’s too scratched to sell.”

The mother then said, “Now try the second-hand market.”

She came back and said,

“They offered me £50, because they said no one buys worn-out instruments anymore.”

Finally, the mother said, “Take it to the conservatory where the orchestra rehearses.”

The daughter did, and when she came back her eyes were wide:

“One of the violinists offered £200,000! They said it’s a rare 18th-century instrument that collectors and musicians dream of owning.”

The mother smiled:

“That’s what I wanted you to learn. In the wrong hands, even treasure is dismissed as junk. In the right hands, its worth is undeniable. Don’t waste yourself in places that fail to see your value—go where your worth is known and celebrated.”