The road less traveled

The King's Highway
Once a king had a great highway built for the members of his
kingdom. After it was completed, but before it was opened to the
public, the king decided to have a contest. He invited as many as
desired to participate. Their challenge was to see who could travel
the highway the best.

On the day of the contest the people came. Some of them had fine
chariots, some had fine clothing, fine hairdos, or great food. Some
young men came in their track clothes and ran along the highway.
People traveled the highway all day, but each one, when he arrived
at the end, complained to the king that there was a large pile of
rocks and debris left on the road at one spot and this got in their
way and hindered their travel.

At the end of the day, a lone traveler crossed the finish line
warily and walked over to the king. He was tired and dirty, but he
addressed the king with great respect and handed him a bag of gold.
he explained, "I stopped along the way to clear a pile of rocks and
debris that was blocking the road. This bag of gold was under it
all. I want you to return it to its rightful owner."

The king replied, "You are the rightful owner."

The traveler replied, "Oh no, this is not mine. I've never known
such money."

"Oh yes," said the king, "you've earned this gold, for you won my
contest. He who travels the road best is he who makes the road
smoother for those who will follow."

-- Unknown