A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2 inches in diameter.
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “Yes.”
“Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your partner, your health, your children – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter – like your job, your house, your car.
The sand is everything else. The small stuff.”
“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued “there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal.
Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”
Author Unknown
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Then, the professor reached under the table and pulled out a bottle of PBR. He poured it in, and it, of course, fit into the gaps between sand particles. “And this, my students, demonstrates that there is ALWAYS room for a little booze in your life.”
Yes, indeed. It’s good morale. It’s something to think about our lifes and values.
Thank you for the wonderful site.
I like this story very much. I don’t think what is important in life before I read. After reading I realized that what is important in life. Thanks for author of this story.
It is true about our life…family first then rest
Very beautiful & touching story for students & adults
It’s very touching and heartily story.!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!
Wonderful story. It gives the perspecive for looking at your life in true sence.
Story is incredible and value lesson.
Thanx a lot, am really touched, but in order to pay attention to the important stuff (family,etc) one needs resources, resources are got by working (hard). So I think, important things in life change as one grows up. When young, make lots of money, then get a partner you can take good care of, then get the kids. Thanx
Then the professor took a cup of coffee and poured it into the ‘filled’ jar. Of course, it filled every little gap. Then he said, “try and spend some coffee time with a friend or two”.
“If you put the sand in the jar first”,…… I think our priorities are very vital issues to be addressed.
Thought of not going home this year but family first, right? Thx, u guys keep it up.
Wow! wonderful story.
It is one of wonderful and beautiful story which I read recently.The author try to convey us that family comes first and rest is enjoyment.I agree with this author and Iam expecting more stories in future.Thank you once again.Looking feedback from readers if possible comments on feedback also../
An excellent story with a good point to all materialistic people. Hats off to the writer!
This is one of the few best saying that I read in my life.
Very good and inspiring, will surely change d thinking of a lot of students to whom I will narrate this.
I think that the message here is to set your social priorities first , Family always come first in fact the inner peace come from socializing with your family and friends and the unimportant things always come in the second stage even if it was more important to you than socializing.
Every moral story needn’t to be true, but only thing is that the moral what it gives is inspirational & applicable.
It’s very touching story.!.!.!.!.! Wow impressing story!!!!!!
This story is deeply touching….
I have never realized the importance of my family, friends and relations ever before, it has changed my entire view…
Thanks to the author, for making me what I really meant to be….
This is one of the greatest motivational stories I have ever read. Although I have been using a lot of motivational books and audios, the story really given me a STRONG EMPHASIS on what are the priorities in life, and in daily routine.. Really helped me to tune my MIND towards my larger goal and to ger rid of frustruations, arguments and other sensitiveness at least to certain extent..
Thank you very much
Thankx!
It’s a very nice story, full of moral values!
Thanks. It is a very nice and beautiful story.
Short and sweet moral story
It’s true that family matters a lot & it was a touching story.
Wonderful story!!!!
Really interesting, touching and worthy story for all. I like it very much.
A good one! I think engaging your lifetime largely with rocks, to a good extent with pebbles and to a small extent with sand is a good formula of lifetime happiness.
Nice one. Really heart touching.
wow i never thought of life that way… every small thing is just dirt.
The power of simplicity – that is what the story demonstrates. If I may add my two cents worth… the story underlines the need to give priority to the IMPORTANT over the URGENT. Once the Important is in place, we can attend to the Urgent. If we fail to do that, we become perpetual slaves to the great tyrant called Urgent.
Gud story. Gud lesson for everyone. Thanks on behalf of others also.
Excellent Work, the story in the starting made me thought about the moral that their is always a scope for learning however intelligent you are but in last lines the writer explains about priorities was unexpected very few are able to reach here. GOOD JOB
The story was really great. It is very touching and true. I feel we must always support our family first, and this story proves it. Thank you very much.
It’s pathetic…
really it’s very helpful to understand the priorities of life
I think it’s a very lovely story!!! Really touching!!!!!
Yes, I do agree the important things in life are our family and loved ones.. But not to forget that the small things which is referred to as sand is so equally important that is what makes us happy. We need to enjoy the small things in life before running behind the big things.. We should not loose the small happiness and by the time we realize this it would be too late we become old..
This story also fits for time management those who always queues of no time, there is ample of time if u adjust it accordingly.
The story is really very good.
Actually, this is a very common story. I’ve read it many times on various books. There’s another story which is similar.
In the story, a master had a very proud student. In order to teach his student a lesson, he filled a tank with rocks, pebbles, sand and water. Each time asking his student if the tank is full. The student, of course, kept saying it is full. What the master was demonstrating is that there is always something to learn and that there is unlimited knowledge. He should not be so proud as to think he knew everything.
This is the best moral story and I learned what value or importance should family be given. I must say…… it’s not only good but also the best.
GOOD STORY
Thanks for ur sharing…
Juz one word to describe “SPLENDID”… =)
Basically we know that but this story easily understand to us importants our relations.
yeah . . . . this story is deeply great, deeply touching and also it give us a good lesson , . .thanx
Today I realised that what should be planned first. It still depends on a person what he puts as Rocks and what as sand. After reading this blog I awaked and realised that for me Rocks are my mother Father. Pebbels are my wife and Children. Sand are my lust towards House, Car etc. & Savings will be the water which can even be accomodated by the filled Jar with Rocks, Pebbels and Sand.
Nice story. It gives a family orientated bias, which when adopted is the motivation to achieve more for those closest to us. The pebbles and sand are a distant second…
Good Story.It tells about the life.What are the important thing and usefull things in life.
100% True. Good one
I’m really touched by this story. Now I’ll give more time 2 my family than anything else!!
Thanx very much.
Now I realized I always give importance to not necessary .
Now I know what is important.
Human being always run towards his desire but he forget his loved ones……….
Extremely its a wonderful story for everyone in this world…. any person will change their attitude after reading this story!!!
Very good moral story
Love this site. I’ve learned a lot.
Good Story. Everyone is not easily getting small stuff (sand), after getting we miss rocks & pebbles so give first priority family and Children
Great and touching story telling the priorities of life.
Really a very nice story and very good attitude.
Suberbbbb… no words to describe, Excellent
It is a good and great moral story. By reading this story, I decided to do heavy things for my family.
Waww I enjoy every word while reading it .. waw waw waw
Really a good way to understand the arrangments acc to values.
It’s a great story. We should look back what we did for our family, friends, partner …. I myself can learn a lot after reading it. We should appreciate what we have now.
Awesome story….
It’s a best story whichever I read as far as I know, it’s best for me…moral of this story is good & for everyone to set their priorities…and pay attention to the their families & important things….
Really Nice Story & Moral
Really nice story.
Just not so much on how you handle the flack and intimidation you get when you leave out some of the small stuff. There’s a lot more pressure from the small stuff and its just abit too easy to say just leave it, without giving advice on how to handle the results of leaving it.
It’s a nice moral…..without our family we can’t be happy in our life.
Art is life; life is short…
Yes it is a very good story infact, especially those people who don’t see the other side of life. Now a days everyone busy with their work and their problems, but remember one thing we create our own problems and wait for the solutions. But everyone fails to get the solutions for their own problems.
A very inspiring story, it taught us what to do in life.
Superb.. I think it is the definition for life.
It’s just mind blowing.
I think it’s superb.
Nice story………Very important to understand the life to lead.
It was very nice and very true, thanks for that. It is for all age. Once again thank u very much.
If anyone follows can change his life style.
This story is so simple, but its analogy with life is magnificent. According to other comments, story is very understandable and truthful. But also a little pathetic, like somebody already commented. The story also sounds familiar to many people. But, people, if you didnt know that family and kids are your greatest priorities in your life, then…Oh…Where have you lived!?
This is so True… Most people believe that they need to take care of everything else so the people they care about will be happy but what happens if they just want to spend time with you???
Excellent!
Thax to the writer for such a wonderful story… infact no can can be happy without a family…its a gift given by god…..so every person should first of all give importance to his family and then think about other things….
Then the professor poured some honey in the jar. Surprisingly it was also accommodated. Howsoever we might be full, til brim, with our family, friends and work… there is always a scope to be sweet to others.
This story really touched my heart. Thank you sir.
Fantastic
There is always a space in life no matter how full for regrets and a memory of the past. Doesn’t mean you fill it up with alcohol.
I agree with Mehboob.
Then he took out a jug of water and poured it in then said “and the water means God and all the good unseen things in life, we can pour them in first or last, it should always be a space for them in our lives.”
It is a good story..explaining importance of family in our lives..when everything goes off the family stays with you no matter watever you do to them. as said in the story one should always make time to spend with family..
It really gives a good moral…awesome one…
A really good one…..which help us to live a full life.
Great story. Short but a lesson of life. We have to learn from stories like these. Examples like these actually help some1 who are serious to improve his/her life. Friends I am happy to see people publishing these motivational stories.
Thanks & Regards. Dheeraj Anand.
This the great moral story having more inspiration. This kind of story is essential for developing new world in which there is no more obstacle.
Wow, I really like this story. I think I am more of the sand firs. I didn’t really realize that rocks comes first cos I always thought they are always there and nature will provide them if they are really meant to be. From this story…I now know just what to do. Thanks for this site and the story writer:).
a story!!! dat i hvent read earlier soo inspiring n truth of evry’1s lyf. it helped me a lottt.. superb story!!fantastic!!wonderful!!flawless!!
wow,it’s really very nice moral regarding to our life.I really felt very happy to get this link.Thanks for giving this type of motivation comparing our life with pebbles in a jar. Finally a very special thanks to your website for giving this type of best inspiration.
A very good life lesson for me after the loss of my beloved eldest son. Thanks for your inspiring words.
This is really important for everybody in true sense. We have to know – ‘What we are doing and For what we are doing, LIFE & NON LIFE’.
Wow! What a great story
when i finish reading this story i feel good and got great strength and urge to turn my eyes on to the big stuff which i wish to accomplish in my life.
A very…very…heart touching & inspiring story….Life will be full of joy if one realises the same!!!!
Really it is awesome and fabulous to life.
it is indeed a booster to prop up life.
thanks 4 publishing .
awwwwwwwww
so sweat
really inspirational
this story help us how to set priorities and rank to spend a wonderful life….!!!!!!
but there is no place for values and emotionz ……is that placed in extra stuff……..my question iz would u prefer ur values or family
rocking , intresting
for all
its really indeed beautiful story but there’s one thing the story forgot to give a part of the jar which very important of all for me the jar holds in everything so the jar represents the GOD which is holding us we are all go through him.
yes… its true…
It is the story to be learnt by every individual to realise the importance of important things in life.
I support dis story bcoz i valued first my family den frnds den rest.
what a nice and captivating story.i will tell the pupils that i teach this one.they will learn a lot.
itzz a true story about ur lives sooo like dis story only we have to control our life
so sweeeeeeet
Enjoyed each and every word in this story. So good.
Ii will share this story to every one. Thanks a lot for such a true story which we need to know in our life
This is so beautiful! I realized a lot of things after reading it. Thank you so much for posting this.
this is really an inspirimg story n d best method to teach.
Awesome post!!! We all should care for our loved ones and set the priorities in life
Take care of rocks….dont run after sand
i like this story i believe tht the most importnat thing in our life is the time that we give for our familiy
sooooooooooooooooooooooooo sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet
it’s a nice story for the children and youth as they are forgetting the difference between rocks and sand !!
It is sounds good,
I really like this story, i also share it with other fellows.
I LOVE ALL THESE STORIES AND IT IS INTERESTING FOR ME TO READ.
very heart touching stories
love this story…i hope i get to read it every morning as reminder of how to set my priorities right!!
Love this story… I hope I get to read it every morning as reminder of how to set my priorities right!!
beautiful story
excellent story with a fabulous moral.
Great Story It will help me and everyone..
We should apply it..
thank you for sharing with us..
Fabulous story. It makes me inspire lot
Great , heart touching story……will help every married couple to strenghthen their relationship…
its a great story bt one realizes it only when things are out of hand or getting out of hand…
Gr8 story… I learn a lot to teach my student
Good story….i think this is the simple & best story for the people who being wrong don’t want to take responsibility for their family.
inspiring story…
Surely, it is true to say something has higher priority than others, but the more important issue is that which one is more important, for instance “health” in some cases would be in dangerous if you wanna follow your other important things.
wonderful i love this story i also tell to other people.
awesome great explanation about the life… ‘thanx’ !
I like the story!!!!
It was indeed inspiring!!
Awesome story. I liked it very much. He proves the importance of our own family by simple way.
very nice…. no words to express
And then the good professor turned the jar upside down. all the pebbles and sand fell out but the rocks didnot ,having been stuck with each other and the jar walls. GOT IT .
very nice
This story is a motivation for life.
It is the need of the ‘today’ that we must give priority to our family o/w we will be nowhere in future.
Fantastic story.
loved it!
It was indeed very inspirational. I’ve got something for it.
yes, i agree with this.
The story is simply wonderful .
awesome sotry……
yayaya–i learnt a lot
Really a beautiful story!!!
Nice story, being a lecturer I will convey this to my students.
A really sensational story!!!
Its simply rocks…Everyone in the world have to think about this.Then we can understand what we are losing in our lives and we get realized.!!!
Very good story….!!!!! I like it.
This is exciting and inspiring…. Thank you..
Thanks for nice inspirition theory.
Very touching
very nice story about relation of sand pebbles and rocks
It’s a good story…. It will change so many people mind and thoughts…… All the best to everyone….
superrrrrrrrr
So sweet
Thanks for sharing this story. It inspired me.
OMG!!! What a brilliant story to tell! Very touching and thoughtful……. I love it!!!
Very heart torching and lovely story for every serious persons.
Yes, it is a really good story. The moral of the story also tells us how to utilise our valuble time in a day. If we consider the jar is 24 hours in a day, what would we do in 24 hours? First we can do whatever the important works there is, finish the work first. Then do whatever unimportant works.
Yes, it is a really fine story, useful to the teachers. Taking one scientific fact, a good story created.
A wonderful story I have ever read. Thanks to the author and this website…
It’s a superb story. I would like to thank the author, thank u very much.
I like this story.
Of course, it’s a fantastic story to all, shows priorities we need for uplifting standard of living. Thanks to the author and this website.
Yes, the moral of the story is excellent. I understood now what i missed in my life, thank you so much for posting the story.
Very, very super story.
Ya.. right… one of the best small stories… which makes you think big….
I like this story.
It’s a very good story and inspires me.
This story was really very touching. It was an amazing story with lots of valuable things and a deep moral. The fact that the story brings along it is so important and awesome and contains a close to heart meaning
Touching story. Beautiful lesson for any age.
Yes… it’s a really good story for the students and everybody…
Nice and meaningful story.
It was true in real life.
Adorable. lovely.
The story is very simple, but it has huge meaning….
I liked the story, its wonderful…………still there is place for water what do we relate it with……….???????
I am really touched by this wonderful story…. I always think about the pebbles are the most important…. Thanks very much for this inspirational advise… am BLESSED
Yup… I agree, it has been great for me… but confused with some sort… of liquid can not easily fill the space… can we compare it with our partner???
It is very good & interesting. Thanks for such an inspiring and heart touching story.
This is a really nice story, we all understood but forget this just after few seconds of reading .. don’t we….
Nice one, rocks are your support… sand may erode.. rocks alwz stand (family always with you)
Its very nice & adoptable moral story
if u feel deppressed tell it to a suitable person only not every one
nice story
Heart touching story!!! inspiring.
That was a cool story
Really this is one of the most moral stories which help to set priorities when stuff situation occur in life and how to free from that also.
Thanks a lot again.
Our family comes 1st then rest because they alway support us without any demands
I am really sorry for saying like this, here the professor supports to selfishness to people because people gives important to their family’s correct, so automatically the people are become to selfish. so people should be think like family means the entire earth.
It’s really true!!!!!!!!!! This is the exact fundamental of happy life which everyone should apply in his/her life ……….. thanks to author!!!!!!!!
It is just the same as our life… in my opinion moral is outstanding…thank u
Most inspirational to everyone who loves to have a peaceful way of life and satisfactory EXIT….
Thank you very much.
I think that life is too short to worry about problems, we have to trust in God that everything is going to be ok tomorrow!! so worry about important things! and live your life because you only live once!
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