"My boy," said an aged father to his fiery and disobedient son, "a hot temper is the soil of remorse. Promise me that the next time you are angry, you will count to one hundred before you move or speak."
No sooner had the son made this promise than he received a stinging blow from his father's walking stick. By the time he had counted to seventy-five, he experienced the unhappiness of seeing the old man jump into a waiting cab and whirl away.
In that moment, the son realized the importance of his father's words. Anger could lead to actions he might regret, and sometimes, the consequences of losing control were far greater than the initial frustration.
The moral
Managing one's temper is crucial, as a moment of anger can lead to regret and missed opportunities for reconciliation.
Discussion questions
- What does the father's advice reveal about his character?
- How might the story have changed if the son had counted to one hundred?
- In what ways does this story serve as an engaging moral tale for young readers?
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Good night.
Tomorrow night: The Fox and the Crane
