The Gates of Judgment — a short parable. What do you think it means?

In the Kingdom of Shapes stood an ancient gate. No one knew who had built it. Some said the gods; others said the First Geometers.

Carved above its arch were the words:

\*“Pass through the Gate, and you shall be judged.”\*

Every generation, a Great Competition was held to discover the largest and most efficient shape.

Over the centuries, countless shapes passed through the Gate. They were measured, debated, admired, and compared. In time and after each contest, year after year, the judges declared; “The Square”, to be the winner. The Square was the biggest and most efficient of all shapes.

Generations passed. Schools taught this. Artists celebrated it. Builders modeled their cities after it. Children grew up believing there had never been, nor could there ever be, a bigger or more efficient shape.

Then one day, a traveling shape from a distant land stopped before the Gate. His eyes lifted and he gazed up at the ancient arch, the traveler thought to himself, “\*What a stroke of luck. I am just as big as the biggest square that has ever passed through and have a smaller perimeter, making me more effective. I will surely be judged the new champion!”\*

He approached the gate, tried, but could not get through.

The gate was too narrow, or, his body too wide.

Realizing that he was not going to get through he turned away and a sad knowing smile came to his face. He understood why a shape like him, although being just as big and also more efficient, would never be judged to be the champion.

And so it was . The traveler continued along on his journey, thinking thoughtful thoughts, and

… rolling happily along.

***\*\*I would love to hear your thoughts and comments. Here are some questions to help with understanding analysis\*\* \*\*and\*\* \*\*discussion.\*\****

What shape was a visitor?
Why couldn’t the visitor get through the gates ?
What would happen if the visitor could get through and was judged?
What is the significance of the gate?
What could the gate represent in our daily lives today?
What is the lesson that we are meant to learn?