The Man with No Enemies
Story Summary
In "The Man with No Enemies," an inoffensive person is brutally assaulted by a stranger, leading to a trial where he claims to have no enemies. The defendant argues that this lack of enemies was the very reason for the attack, prompting the judge to dismiss the case with a humorous yet moral lesson: a person without enemies cannot truly have friends, and thus should not seek justice in court. This short story serves as a thought-provoking moral lesson for students about the complexities of relationships and the nature of conflict.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The absence of enemies often signifies the absence of meaningful relationships and authenticity in one's life.
Historical Context
This story reflects a moral and philosophical exploration of relationships and social dynamics, reminiscent of fables and parables found in various cultures. Its themes echo elements from ancient Greek literature, particularly the notion of "phobos" or fear of the unknown, and it can also be likened to the absurdist works of authors like Franz Kafka, where the justice system appears arbitrary and nonsensical. The narrative critiques societal norms, suggesting that the absence of conflict may render an individual unworthy of protection, thereby challenging the foundations of friendship and enmity.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the importance of relationships and social connections in modern life, suggesting that those who lack meaningful ties may be vulnerable to harm or exploitation. For example, in a workplace setting, an employee who isolates themselves and builds no rapport with colleagues might find themselves targeted for unfair treatment, as their lack of alliances can leave them defenseless against workplace politics.
You May Also Like
Three of a Kind
In "Three of a Kind," an inspirational story with a moral, a lawyer driven by a sense of justice defends a burglar who openly admits to having two accomplices—one for protection during the crime and another for legal defense. The lawyer, impressed by the burglar's honesty, ultimately decides to withdraw from the case upon discovering his client's lack of financial means, highlighting themes of integrity and moral choice in this culturally significant tale.
The Manslayer
In "The Manslayer," a murderer fleeing from the victim's relatives desperately seeks refuge in a tree by the Nile, only to find a serpent waiting for him. In his panic, he jumps into the river, where a crocodile swiftly catches him, illustrating that nature offers no sanctuary for criminals. This short and moral story serves as a powerful reminder that wrongdoers cannot escape their fate, making it an inspirational short story with a clear moral.
The Two Fellows and the Bear
In this entertaining moral story, two travelers face a bear in the woods, leading one to hide in a tree while the other lies flat on the ground. After the bear leaves, the tree-dweller mocks his friend, only to learn a valuable lesson: never trust a friend who deserts you in a pinch. This short bedtime story highlights the importance of loyalty and the lessons learned from stories that resonate with readers.
Other names for this story
The Friendless Man, No Enemies, The Price of Peace, Innocent Assault, The Unoffended, The Cost of Being Neutral, A Life Without Conflict, The Unlikely Victim
Did You Know?
This story highlights the paradox of social relationships, suggesting that a life devoid of conflict or enemies can also lead to a lack of meaningful connections and friendships, ultimately questioning the nature of human interactions and societal norms.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.