The Crab and Its Mother

A fable attributed to Aesop

A crab said to her son, "Why do you walk so sideways, my child? It is far more becoming to walk straight forward."

The young crab replied, "Quite true, dear Mother; and if you will show me the straight way, I promise to walk in it."

The mother tried in vain to demonstrate how to walk straight and ultimately submitted without protest to the reproof of her child.

This story reminds us that example is more powerful than precept.

The moral

Leading by example is more effective than simply giving advice.

Discussion questions

What does the interaction between the mother crab and her son teach us about advice and actions?
How can we apply the moral of this story in our daily lives?
Can you think of a time when someone’s actions contradicted their words? What was the outcome?

Tomorrow night: The Fox and the Crane