What happens when life puts us in the most seemingly unjust and miserable circumstances? Is there purpose there? If so, what could it possibly be? In this parable about determining one's identity in the mind and not the outside world, we meet young Giovanni Christianni.

Giovanni and his widower father are all they have in this world. Giovanni idolizes his father and their love is unmistakable. However, through a tragic set of circumstances, young Giovanni's life is changed forever. He finds himself destined for the dreaded Stone Yards. 

Though his life is changed, Giovanni must realize it is still his life. He still has agency over the life he's been given.

The Stone Yards is a description for a prison where men are tethered to a boulder many times their own size. They are left to chisel away aimlessly for days on end. The futility and meaningless nature of their work is their punishment. There, Giovanni has a decision to make. Is there still meaning to his life? If so, what could it possibly be?

"It was like digging a hole only to be filled in again...."

Giovanni is eventually met by a curious and rather eccentric artist in the twilight of his years. He's fascinated by the "Stone Chiseler" who seems to stand out from all the rest. Eventually, to satisfy his curiosity, he meets the boy and begins helping him sort out the boy's fate.

He reminds him of the words of the Stoic philosopher Zeno, "He who conquers his mind conquers the world."

Giovanni Christianni represents all of us at some point in our lives. Viktor Frankl once said, "Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather he must recognize that it is he who is asked. In a word, each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life; to life he can only respond by being responsible."

The Stone Chiseler won't give you the answers for the meaning of life. However, looking at life through Giovanni's eyes just might cause the listener to take responsibility for their life.