Nvidia CEO's Profound Lesson: A Gardener's Wisdom from Kyoto's Silver Temple

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently shared a powerful life lesson from a surprising source: a lone gardener in Kyoto, Japan. During a 2024 commencement speech at Caltech, Huang described his visit to the Silver Temple and his encounter with a man meticulously tending the expansive moss garden. "I noticed a lone gardener squatting, carefully picking at the moss with a bamboo tweezer," Huang recounted. "When I asked him what he was doing, he simply replied, 'I'm picking dead moss. I'm taking care of my garden.'" Huang was struck by the gardener's dedication, noting the sheer size of the garden and the gardener's response, "I have cared for my garden for 25 years, I have plenty of time." This simple exchange, Huang explained, became one of the most profound learning experiences of his life, teaching him the importance of long-term commitment and the rewards of dedication to one's craft. The story serves as a powerful reminder of the value of patience and perseverance in achieving long-term goals, a message that resonates far beyond the corporate world. The story is a testament to the quiet dignity and profound impact of seemingly small acts of dedication.