Every nation preserves its wisdom, passed down from generation to generation. Deep truths about human nature often lie behind seemingly simple plots, remaining relevant regardless of the era. One such story is about gratitude, about bad wounds that heal, and about negative words that remain unforgettable. Can the lesson about the power of words find its place among startups, social networks, and global connectivity? Let's try to tell it again. In one of the most competitive industries—that of high technology—the young and ambitious Leo was struggling to save his startup, "Nexus AI," from certain bankruptcy. His project, an innovative artificial intelligence platform, was mired in patent litigation and facing a financial crisis that threatened to swallow it up. Just when his hopes were running out, Victor appeared on the scene—a legend in the tech world, known for his uncompromising nature and survival instinct. Victor was not just an investor but a titan whose company, Global Vision, had saved dozens of other businesses. He saw potential in Leo and his AI project. Putting aside his own ongoing projects, Victor stepped in, resolved legal cases, injected fresh capital, and created opportunities that Leo had never imagined. Victor saved Nexus AI and launched it into action. Victor, impressed by Leo’s vision, proposed a partnership, a kind of “twinning” in the corporate world. Leo agreed—how could he refuse such a force? Out of gratitude, Victor invited him to an exclusive dinner with leading business magnates, presenting him as “the next big thing.” During the evening, after having a few glasses of champagne and feeling confident, Leo leaned towards Victor, who was getting ready to hug him in approval. — Victor, everything is great, but… The presentation you gave a while ago about the history of technology was, to be honest, quite outdated. It had an odor reminiscent of mothballs from the previous century! Leo said with a slight smile, intended to sound like a good-natured joke, but instead it sounded like tactless criticism. Victor's gaze froze. He leaned down and quietly said, "Leo, now go to the microphone and tell everyone that you made a terrible mistake and that your startup is nothing without the advice of 'veterans.'" — What are you talking about, Victor! How can I say it? We are partners! Leo was scared. — Say it, or I’ll destroy everything you’ve built!— Victor's voice echoed loudly. Frightened, Leo did this: he apologized publicly, admitted that he had shown “youthful impudence,” and gave all the credit for his success to the “experience of giants.” The evening ended, and the atmosphere between them was tense. Victor turned his back on him and left. Years passed. Nexus AI became a global corporation, and Leo became a billionaire. One day, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Leo ran into Victor again. — Nice meeting, partner! — Victor rejoiced, apparently without a trace of his former enraged words. Leo was worried at first, but when he saw that there was no trace of his public humiliation in Victor's eyes and his reputation was impeccable, he hugged his old acquaintance and asked, —How are you, Victor? Have you gotten over the unpleasant taste of my words that I gave you back then at that dinner? I publicly expressed my contrition. Victor looked at him sadly and replied, —Listen to what I'm going to tell you, Leo. Failure in a project, public humiliation, or even a financial setback can resemble a severe injury. It may hurt, it may leave a scar for a while, but eventually it heals. The market forgets, the stock bounces back, and the reputation rebuilds. But a bad word, a lightly spoken rebuke, or a tactless criticism, especially when it comes from someone you've shaken hands with—it is not forgotten. It leaves a scar not on the skin, but on trust and respect. The wisdom of the fairy tale in the age of digital echo is instructive. In a world where digital airwaves capture, share, and preserve every word forever, the significance of "bad words" intensifies: A thoughtless message, a malicious tweet, or a tactless comment on social media can have a far more lasting effect than a physical injury. While a physical injury may heal, a screenshot of your hurtful words can remain viral for years. Just as Leo’s words inflicted an emotional “wound” on Victor, so today, in the era of “cancel culture” and constant public scrutiny, a hasty judgment can destroy partnerships, friendships, and careers in a way that even serious financial losses could not. The story reminds us of the need for empathy and careful word choice, especially when communicating with people who have supported us or on whom we rely. Even “well-intentioned” criticism can be perceived as a “bad word” if delivered tactlessly or in public. Whether it's a lumberjack and a bear in an old forest or an entrepreneur and a tech mogul in a digital jungle, the basic truth remains unshakable: physical scars heal, but the wounds inflicted by words remain deep in the mind and heart, reminding us of the eternal power of words.
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