The pencil maker tells the pencil five important lessons before sending it out into the world: 1) It will be able to do great things if it allows itself to be held and used by others. 2) It will experience painful sharpening at times which is necessary to become better. 3) It has the ability to correct any mistakes. 4) The most important part is what's inside. 5) It must continue writing clearly no matter how difficult the situation. The pencil promises to remember these lessons to become the best pencil it can be. The message is applied to people - we all have a purpose if we allow guidance and remember our core purpose each day.