The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the basket.

“There are 5 things you need to know,” he told the pencil, 

"before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be.”

One: “You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone’s hand.” 

Two: “You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you’ll need it to become a better pencil.”

Three: “You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.”

Four: “The most important part of you will always be what's inside.”

Five: “On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.”