Aesop
- The Leopard and the Fox
One day a leopard and a fox had a contest to decide who was more handsome of the two. The leopard boasted about the beauty of his innumerable spots. But the fox replied, "You may have beautiful spots, but it's better to have a versatile mind than a variegated body."
Aesop
- The Swallow and the Crow
The swallow and the crow had an argument as to which was the finer bird. The crow ended the dispute by saying, "Your feathers may be beautiful and fine during the summer, but mine will protect me and last for many winters." Fine-weather friends are not worth much.
Aesop
- The Brash Candlelight
A candlelight that had grown fat and saucy with too much grease boasted one evening at a large gathering that it shone brighter than the sun, the moon, and all of the stars put together. Right at that moment, a puff of wind came and blew it out. Someone lit it again and said, "Shine on, friend candlelight, but hold your tongue. The lights of heaven are never blown out."
Aesop
- The Lioness
Once when all the beasts were arguing amongst themselves as to which of the animals could produce the largest number of whelps at birth, they went to the lioness and asked her to settle the dispute. "And how many do you have at birth?" they asked. "One," she said defiantly, "but that one is a lion." No matter how much you have, never argue with quality.
Aesop
- The Three Tradesmen
Once there was a city expecting to be attacked, and accordingly, a meeting was called to discuss the best means to defend it. A bricklayer claimed that brick was the best way to fortify the city. A carpenter suggested that timber was better. Finally a currier stood up and said, "Sirs, when all is said and done, there is nothing in the world like leather." Every man for his trade.
Aesop
- The Bear and the Fox
A bear used to boast of his excessive love for humankind, saying that he never touched or mauled a human corpse. The fox observed with a smile, "I would be more impressed by your kindness if you never ate a human being alive." We should not wait until a person dies before showing our respect.
