How a person reacts to criticism often means the difference between success and failure. Take the case of Ole Bull, the famous Norwegian violinist of the past century. His practical father, a…
Welcome to Wellsprings
Think of this as a peaceful, non-commercial corner of the web where you can step away from the noise of the digital age. Here, we lovingly bring together an expansive repository of heartwarming anecdotes, epic historical chronicles, and cross-cultural reflections spanning philosophy, science, history and the arts. From ancient parables to modern milestones of human achievement, each piece is meant to uplift your spirit, spark meaningful contemplation, and foster a comforting sense of shared humanity. We are glad you are here. Step inside, explore our archives at your own pace, and enjoy the journey!
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Sitting on your talent
There was a man who played piano in a bar. He was a good piano player. People came out just to hear him play. But one night, a patron told him he…
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The chicken that could not soar
Once upon a time, there was a large mountainside where an eagle’s nest rested. The eagle’s nest had four large eggs. One day, an earthquake rocked the mountain causing one of the…
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Sharpen your axe
Once upon a time, a well-built woodcutter asked for a job in a timber depot, and he got it. The pay was really good and so were the work conditions. For that…
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Sparky, the loser
A story is told about a boy named Sparky. For Sparky, school was all but impossible. He failed every subject in the eighth grade. He flunked physics in high school. Receiving a…
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The trouble tree
The carpenter I hired to help me restore an old farmhouse had just finished a rough first day on the job. A flat tyre made him lose an hour of work, his…
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Why mothers cry …
“Why are you crying?” a little boy asked his mom. “Because I’m a mother,” she told him. “I don’t understand,” he said. She just hugged him and said, “You never will!” Later,…
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Helping hands
This factual historical anecdote captures a profound moment of human mentorship and artistic grace. The true narrative illustrates how an accomplished master can elevate a novice through gentleness and collaborative empathy. “A…
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A little boy’s temper
Once there was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer…
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Perspectives
One day a rich man took his young son on a trip to the country to show him how poor people can be. They spent a day and a night in the…
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True brothers
Two brothers worked together on a farm. One was married and had a large family. The other was single. The brothers shared everything equally, produce and profit. One day, the single brother…
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‘A wondrous fable’
His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to eke out a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a…