The Cobbler's Dignity

Every morning, an old cobbler sat on the corner of a busy New York street,

repairing worn-out shoes with cracked hands and tired eyes. A sign beside him

read: “Shoe repair – $25 per pair.” A well-dressed man stopped and handed over a pair of leather

shoes. The cobbler examined them carefully, replaced the sole, polished them,

and handed them back. “That will be $25, sir.” “What?

Twenty-five dollars?” the man scoffed. “I can buy new shoes online for $30.” He threw $10 on

the ground and said, “Take it or I walk.” The cobbler sighed. “Sir, this work takes

time and care. These shoes will last you years.” “Enjoy being poor,” the man laughed