What do we work for? If you’re a student, perhaps you work to gain knowledge or build a career. If you’re in the workforce, maybe you work to earn money, support your family, or bring a dream project to life.
But how do we measure success? Is it the ability to provide for loved ones, saving enough for retirement, or achieving a milestone? And what happens when we face challenges—when our efforts go unnoticed or when support is hard to find? How do we keep going?
As you reflect on what work means to you, here’s a story from Paulo Coelho that might remind us of what truly matters, especially in moments of doubt.
The Pianist at the Shopping Center
One day, Brazilian novelist Paulo Coelho was strolling through a shopping center with a violinist friend. His friend stopped him to draw his attention to the music. What music? Coelho wondered, all he could hear was the noise of shoppers, blaring televisions, and background music from stores. But as they stood and paid attention, they could hear the clear notes of what sounded like someone playing a piano. Intrigued, they followed the sound.
The trail led them to a bustling food court. Amid the chaos of people eating, chatting, and going about their day, sat a pianist playing a Chopin sonata, followed by Mozart. A small sign near the stage revealed that he was a renowned musician from Georgia, a former Soviet republic.
Coelho assumed the man must have struggled to find work. Perhaps he had knocked on many doors but was turned away. In desperation, he must have resigned himself to playing in such a setting. But as he watched, something deeper caught his attention.
The pianist’s eyes were closed. He didn’t seem to be in this world at all, as if he were admiring the beauty of the magical world where all music is composed. His hands moved with effortless grace. Each note carried years of practice, dedication, and love.
A Conversation Beyond the Noise
Coelho wondered, “Does he realize that no is listening to him? In fact, no one even comes here to listen to music? These people are here to shop, enjoy a snack or meet a friend. This isn’t a concert hall or even a diner where music sets the atmosphere.” Yet the pianist seemed oblivious to his surroundings. As if he was chatting with Mozart’s angels. He wasn’t playing for applause or recognition.
He played not for the crowd but because it was his destiny, his joy—his very reason for being.
The pianist didn’t even notice Coelho and his friend standing there, captivated by his music. Coelho’s friend, a gifted violinist, had tears in her eyes. At that moment, Coelho realized the truth: it wasn’t that no one was listening—God was listening.
“God is in this man’s soul and hands,” Coelho thought, “because he is giving the best of himself.” The pianist played with the same sincerity and devotion as if he were performing at an opera in Paris. He played not for the crowd but because it was his destiny, his joy—his very reason for being.
A Lesson in Purpose
The pianist teaches us a profound lesson: it doesn’t matter who supports you or who notices your efforts. It doesn’t even matter if you are criticized or ignored. What matters is staying true to your calling. Even when no one seems to care. Your work is a reflection of your soul and your conversation with the divine. And that, in itself, is reason enough to keep going.
When you work, you are a flute through whose heart the whispering of the hours turns to music.
Kahlil Gibran
Reflection question
Do you recall a time when you were able to offer your best to your work—without concern for the reward or criticism? How did it shape your perspective on success?
References
- Coelho, Paulo. Like the Flowing River: Thoughts and Reflections.
- Gibran, Kahlil. The Prophet.
The Sabad Project - Wisdom stories 
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