The North Wind and the Sun once disputed which of them was the stronger. They agreed to a trial of strength: whoever could make a passing traveler take off his cloak would be declared the victor. The North Wind began first. He blew with all his might, sending a cold, howling blast against the man. But the harder the wind blew, the more closely the traveler wrapped his cloak around his body. At last, the North Wind gave up in despair. Then the Sun broke through the clouds and shone down with all his golden warmth. The traveler soon felt the pleasant heat, unbuttoned his coat, and finally cast it aside to rest in the shade. The Sun had won by gentleness what the Wind could not take by force.
Gentleness and kind persuasion are more effective than force and aggression.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of The North Wind and the Sun?
The moral is that gentleness and persuasion are often more powerful than force. It teaches that you can achieve better results through kindness than through aggression or coercion.
Who won the contest between the North Wind and the Sun?
The Sun won the contest by shining warmly on the traveler. While the Wind's force made the man cling tighter to his cloak, the Sun's warmth encouraged him to remove it voluntarily.
Why did the traveler hold his cloak tighter during the wind?
The traveler held his cloak tighter as a natural defense against the cold and biting gusts. The more the North Wind tried to force the cloak off, the more the man felt the need to protect himself.
What does the Sun symbolize in this fable?
The Sun symbolizes warmth, patience, and the 'soft' approach to problem-solving. It represents the idea that providing a positive environment leads to better outcomes than using intimidation.
Advertisement
Good night.
