The Man and the Dog

A fable by Ambrose Bierce

Satire for older readers

A man who had been bitten by a dog was advised that his wound would heal if he dipped a piece of bread in the dog's blood and offered it to the animal. Following this suggestion, he proceeded to do so.

"No," said the dog. "If I were to accept that, it might be thought that I was actuated by improper motives when I bit you."

The man, puzzled, asked, "And by what motives were you actuated?"

The dog replied, "I desired merely to harmonize myself with the Divine Scheme of Things. I’m a child of Nature."

The moral

True intentions and motivations can be misunderstood, and one should not act out of a desire to conform to societal expectations or perceptions.

Discussion questions

What does the dog's refusal to accept the bread suggest about his character?
How can this story apply to our own lives when dealing with misunderstandings?
In what ways do societal expectations influence our actions and decisions?

Read it in another language

Teach next

Religions of ErrorHonesty

The Austere GovernorHonesty

The Dog and the PhysicianHonesty

Good night.

Tomorrow night: The Fox and the Crane