There’s a well known story of Onkelos, the nephew…
There’s a well known story of Onkelos, the nephew of the Roman emperor. He was smart and learned, well-versed in the different philosophies and sciences of his time. He began to explore the Jewish wisdom and Torah, realizing that real Truth lay only in It’s timeless and sacred teachings. He delved deeply into the Torah, deciding that’s where his destiny lay, and strongly desired to travel to Yerushalayim and join the Jewish nation. Before taking leave of his uncle, and knowing the Roman emperor would only resent and despise this decision, Onkelos asked him for his opinion. Onkelos stated he had learned much of the wisdoms of the world and was ready to travel out and apply his intellect in practice. What advice would his uncle, the Emperor, have to offer. His uncle replied: “Search out that which others do not value and is cheap. Make sure to acquire and amass much of this item, so when people realize it’s true value, you can turn a profit.” With these parting words, Onkelos took leave of his uncle and travelled to Yerushalayim, eventually converting and becoming a great and holy Torah Scholar. When the emperor became aware of his nephew’s “treacherous” act, he sent multiple groups of soldiers to bring him back to Rome. Each time, Onkelos succeeded in detaining the soldiers with his wisdom and Torah, each group eventually staying in Yerushalayim and converting. Finally, seeing he had no choice, the emperor called Onkelos to come, but assuring that he would not harm him. Onkelos came before the Emporer, who questioned his life change. Onkelos responded that he had just followed the emporer’s advice – Seek out that which other’s don’t recognize in value, the Jewish people and the Torah, and amass a fortune… eventually you will turn a profit.
— from Expanding Your Range (Growth/Change/Education/Learning/Habit) · Yocheved