The Story of Priorities and the Jar

 The Story of Priorities and the Jar

A philosophy teacher once entered his classroom carrying a large empty jar. Without saying a word, he placed it on the table and filled it with big stones until the jar could hold no more.

He asked the students,

“Is the jar full?”

“Yes!” they replied.

The teacher then took a box of small pebbles and poured them into the jar. The pebbles filled the spaces between the big stones.

“Is it full now?”

The students hesitated, then said, “Yes, it must be.”

Next, he picked up a box of sand and slowly poured it into the jar. The sand slipped into all the tiny gaps.

Again he asked, “Is the jar full?”

The students laughed, “Yes, now it is truly full!”

Finally, the teacher took a cup of water and poured it into the jar, soaking the sand completely.

The students were amazed.

“Sir, what does all this mean?” they asked.

The teacher smiled.

“This jar,” he said, “represents your life. The big stones are the most important things — your family, health, values, dreams, and education. If you don’t put these first, you will never have room for them later.

The pebbles are other things that matter, like friendships, hobbies, and activities.

The sand represents the small, everyday tasks that keep you busy.

If you fill the jar with sand first, there will be no room for the stones.

Similarly, if you spend all your time on small things, you will never have time for the things that truly matter.”

A student raised her hand and asked, “Sir, what about the water?”

The teacher laughed,

“Well, the water reminds us that no matter how busy life seems, there is always room for a cup of tea with a friend.”

SUMMARY

The story is about a teacher who demonstrates the importance of priorities using a jar. He fills the jar first with big stones, then pebbles, then sand, and finally water. Each item represents different aspects of life. The big stones symbolise the most important things, such as family, health, values, and dreams. The pebbles stand for other meaningful activities, while the sand represents small, everyday tasks. The story teaches that if we focus too much on trivial matters, we won’t have space for what truly matters. The jar teaches us to prioritise wisely and organise our lives effectively.

THEME AND MORAL:

Theme

The central theme is prioritisation and time management. It explores how individuals must put the essential elements of life first; otherwise, the less important matters will consume their time and energy.

Moral

Always focus on the most important things first.

If you fill your life with unimportant tasks, you will have no room for meaningful goals.

Proper priorities lead to a balanced, fulfilling life.

Even a busy life has space for friendship and relaxation — symbolised by the water (cup of tea).

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

1. Why did the teacher fill the jar with stones, pebbles, sand, and water?

He used the jar and its contents as a metaphor to show how life becomes full based on the priorities we choose. Each material represents different levels of importance in life.

2. What do the big stones represent?

They represent the most important aspects of life: family, health, values, dreams, and personal goals.

3. What do the pebbles symbolise?

Pebbles stand for secondary but still meaningful activities such as hobbies, friendships, and social commitments.

4. What does the sand represent?

Sand symbolises the small and often unimportant tasks that take up time but add little value to life.

5. Why is it important to put the big stones in the jar first?

Because if you don’t prioritise the important things first, the small tasks will fill up your time, leaving no space for major goals or meaningful experiences.

6. What lesson does the water teach?

It teaches that even when life seems completely full, there is always room for kindness, friendship, and a moment of relaxation.