The Merchant and His Son(Carlos Salinas) The merchant set up his clay bowls and plates neatly on his wooden stand as the sun was rising over the hills surrounding the small village. His son helped him quietly and diligently.
The market place was soon filled with many people buying many things. People passed by and looked upon the clay bowls and plates; some picked them up and studied their fine craftsmanship. One bearded man picked up a bowl and felt the smooth, rounded edges with his fingers and set it back down. He asked the price and frowned when he heard it. No one bought anything, though. It was midday and the merchant had still not sold anything.
The son hesitated to ask his father anything that might be disrespectful, but he was curious as to why his father did not seem to mind not selling anything.
“Why are people not buying anything?” he finally asked.
“It seems not many need a plate or bowl.”
“But why not lower the-”
“If people need it, they will buy.”
After eating, they returned to work. The merchant had seen the bearded man look at other merchants’ bowls and plates and then make his way around back to his bowls and plates. The merchant could only assume it was because of the quality of his product.
The bearded man asked for the price one more time, picked up a pair of bowls and a pair of plates, paid and walked home.

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