The Ass and His Driver
Story Summary
In "The Ass and His Driver," a stubborn donkey bolts toward a precipice, prompting its owner to intervene. Despite his efforts, the donkey's obstinacy leads the owner to let go, warning that the donkey will face the consequences of its choices. This concise moral story highlights how willful individuals often pursue their own paths, regardless of the risks, making it a thought-provoking quick read with a clear moral lesson.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that stubbornness can lead to one's own downfall.
Historical Context
This story echoes themes found in Aesop's Fables, a collection of moral tales attributed to the ancient Greek storyteller Aesop, who lived around the 6th century BCE. The fable illustrates the consequences of stubbornness and the futility of resisting wise guidance, reflecting the cultural values of ancient Greece that emphasized self-control and the importance of heeding advice. Variants of this tale have appeared in various cultures, often highlighting the folly of obstinacy and the lessons learned through experience.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable reflects the consequences of stubbornness and the importance of recognizing when to let go of someone who refuses to listen to reason. In modern life, a scenario could involve a friend who continually makes poor financial decisions despite your advice; ultimately, you may have to step back and allow them to face the repercussions of their choices, understanding that sometimes people must learn through their own experiences, even if it comes at a cost.
You May Also Like
The Grasshopper and the Ant
In the thought-provoking moral story "The Grasshopper and the Ant," a hungry Grasshopper seeks food from an Ant during winter, lamenting that his supplies were taken by the Ants. The Ant questions why the Grasshopper did not prepare for the cold instead of spending the summer singing. This short tale with a moral highlights the lessons learned from stories about the importance of preparation and hard work.
The Horse and the Ass
In the humorous story "The Horse and the Ass," a rude horse ignores his overloaded companion's pleas for help, only to find himself burdened with the entire load when the ass collapses. This motivational tale serves as an inspirational short story with a moral, highlighting the importance of sharing each other's struggles, lest we face the consequences alone. Ultimately, it reminds us that in the top 10 moral stories, the lesson is clear: neglecting the troubles of others can lead to our own downfall.
Mercury and the Workmen
In the humorous moral story "Mercury and the Workmen," a woodworker loses his axe in a river and, displaying honesty, is rewarded by Mercury with a golden and silver axe. However, when another worker tries to deceive Mercury by throwing his axe into the water, he is punished for his greed and ends up with nothing. This unique moral story illustrates the importance of honesty and the consequences of deceit, making it a valuable lesson for students.
Other names for this story
The Willful Ass, A Lesson in Folly, The Cost of Defiance, The Reckless Journey, The Ass's Downfall, Tails of Wisdom, The Precipice of Choice, The Stubborn Path
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the theme of willfulness and the consequences of stubbornness, emphasizing that those who refuse to heed warnings may ultimately face self-inflicted harm. The phrase "Conquer, but conquer to your cost" serves as a poignant reminder that pursuing one's desires without consideration can lead to disastrous outcomes.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.