An old physician took in two apprentices. Half a year passed, yet he had not taught them any medical skills, only having them read medical texts and identify herbs. Secretly observing the two, he noticed that the elder apprentice was honest and diligent, neither arrogant nor impatient—his days were spent solely studying medical books and examining herbs. The younger apprentice, though naturally bright, was restless and impatient, finding the work tedious and complaining daily.

One day, the old physician called them over and gave each a basket, some provisions, and water, instructing them to gather herbs in the mountains outside the city. The two set out, following the route their master had described. As they walked, it seemed the path to the mountains was still far off, with no end in sight.

The younger apprentice believed cutting through a nearby forest would be a shortcut—saving effort and quickly leading them to the mountain’s base. After telling his senior brother, he headed into the woods. The elder apprentice, unable to stop him, continued on alone.

By dusk, the elder apprentice returned to the clinic with a basket full of herbs, but the younger was nowhere to be found. The master and elder apprentice hurried out to search. By then, the younger apprentice had been trapped in a deep pit for hours, shouting desperately but receiving no reply—exhausted, hungry, and terrified. As the temperature dropped, he grew colder and curled into a ball.

Just as despair set in at nightfall, he heard his master and senior brother calling for him. After much effort, they rescued him. Back at the clinic, while treating the younger apprentice’s injuries, the old physician sighed and said, “To obtain something, one must seek it steadfastly. Trying to take shortcuts may only lead to peril.”

The younger apprentice asked, “How can I achieve my goals sooner?” The old physician replied with just three words: “Diligence is the path.” Hearing this, the younger apprentice fell into deep thought.