Seventy-five men presented themselves before the President of the Humane Society, demanding the prestigious gold medal for life-saving.
"Why, yes," said the President, "with so many men involved, you must have saved a considerable number of lives. How many did you save?"
"Seventy-five, sir," replied their spokesman.
"Ah, yes, that is one each—very good work—very good work indeed," the President responded. "You shall not only receive the Society's great gold medal, but also a recommendation for employment at the various lifeboat stations along the coast. But tell me, how did you manage to save so many lives?"
The spokesman answered, "We are officers of the law and have just returned from the pursuit of two murderous outlaws."
True heroism often lies in the commitment to uphold justice and protect others, rather than in individual acts of bravery.
Discussion questions
- What does heroism mean to you, and how does it differ from traditional definitions?
- How do the actions of the seventy-five men reflect the moral of the story?
- Can you think of modern examples where collective action has saved lives or made a difference in your community?
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Good night.
Tomorrow night: The Fox and the Crane
