A traveler came upon an old farmer working in his field beside the road. Eager to rest his feet, the wanderer hailed the countryman, who seemed happy enough to straighten his back and talk for a moment.

“What sort of people live in the next town?” asked the stranger.

“What were the people like where you’ve come from?” replied the farmer, answering the question with another question.

“They were the best people in the world. Hard working, honest, and friendly. I’m sorry to be leaving them.”

“Fear not,” said the farmer. “You’ll find the same sort in the next town.”
Disappointed, the traveler trudged on his way, and the farmer returned to his work. Some time later another stranger, coming from the same direction, hailed the farmer, and they stopped to talk.

“What sort of people live in the next town?” he asked.

“What were the people like where you’ve come from?” replied the farmer once again.

“They were a bad lot. Troublemakers all, and lazy too. The most selfish people in the world, and not a one of them to be trusted. I’m happy to be leaving the scoundrels.”

“Is that so?” replied the old farmer. “Well, I’m afraid that you’ll find the same sort in the next town.”

Our own attitudes and beliefs have much more influence on our lives than our circumstances. You can change your circumstances, but if that’s all you change, your attitudes and beliefs will remain. You can get only rid your life of dysfunction when you first start with your attitudes and beliefs.

Whatever beliefs you wish to hold on to, you can and your brain will give you what you seek. When you seek wisdom, you will gain wisdom. When you seek hatred, you will gain hatred. Don’t take my word for it — just test it for yourself.