In ancient times, a sage named Zhirenshe-sheshen lived among the Kazakh people. One day, one of the then khans summoned him, wishing to test his eloquence.
Entering the khan's presence, Zhirenshe greeted him with the words:
"May one of your years be equal to a thousand years!"
The khan disliked this greeting and said:
"Even an eloquent man, it turns out, sometimes utters such absurd and unnecessary words."
Then Zhirenshe-sheshen replied:
"Your humble servant, sir, you speak truly: a man is not destined to live a thousand years. But if he leaves behind a good name, then his name lives for a thousand years. And besides, life itself is a wondrous time: may even one of your days be filled with such joy and meaning that it will be equal to a thousand years." The khan understood the depth of these words, was pleased, and presented Zhirensha with a tireless horse and a fur coat that would never wear out. Such a gift signified a special favor: the khan elevated him and thereby demonstrated his desire to see him serve for the rest of his life.