The Taken Hand
Story Summary
In the humorous short story "The Taken Hand," a successful businessman seeks to shake hands with a thief, who arrogantly refuses. Following a philosopher's advice, the businessman cleverly leaves his hand in a neighbor's pocket, leading the greedy thief to take it, illustrating a clever moral about strategy and deception. This tale is a delightful addition to the collection of popular moral stories and folklore, showcasing the wit often found in short moral stories with pictures.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that sometimes, in order to achieve one's goals, one must employ cleverness and cunning rather than straightforward approaches.
Historical Context
This story draws from the rich tradition of fables and allegorical tales found in various cultures, often emphasizing the interplay between morality, cunning, and social dynamics. Its elements echo themes present in Aesop's Fables and other similar narratives, where characters represent broader human traits, such as greed and deception, illustrating the consequences of their actions through clever, often humorous, scenarios. The tale serves as a critique of both the business world and criminality, highlighting the absurdity that can arise when societal roles are subverted.
Our Editors Opinion
This story illustrates the dangers of manipulation and deceit in modern business and personal relationships, where trust is often sacrificed for personal gain. In a real-life scenario, a corporate executive might promise transparency and collaboration to gain an employee's trust, only to later exploit that trust for unethical gain, demonstrating that genuine connection is invaluable and cannot be taken for granted.
You May Also Like
The Weasel and the Mice
In this simple short story with moral lessons, an old weasel, unable to catch mice due to his age, disguises himself in flour to deceive unsuspecting prey. As several mice fall victim to his trap, an experienced mouse recognizes the ruse and warns others, wishing that the weasel's deceit is matched by his own success. This meaningful story illustrates the consequences of trickery and the wisdom of those who have survived many dangers.
The Wolf in Sheeps Clothing
In this easy small story with a moral, a Wolf disguises himself in sheep's clothing to deceive the shepherd and gain access to the flock. However, his plan backfires when the shepherd, mistaking him for a sheep, kills him instead. This life-changing story illustrates that those who seek to harm others often end up facing harm themselves, reminding us of the importance of integrity.
An Officer and a Thug
In "An Officer and a Thug," a Chief of Police reprimands an Officer for beating a Thug, only to hilariously discover that both are stuffed figures. This humorous exchange, a standout among well-known moral stories, underscores the absurdity of their situation and offers a life lesson about perspective and understanding. The Chief's unintentional reveal of his own stuffed nature serves as a reminder of the importance of self-awareness in personal growth.
Other names for this story
"Hand in Shadows", "The Thief's Choice", "Strange Exchange", "The Business of Hands", "A Hand for a Hand", "The Nightly Heist", "Deceptive Grasp", "Philosopher's Trick"
Did You Know?
This story explores themes of deception and the blurred lines between morality and ambition, illustrating how one's desires can lead to unexpected consequences, particularly when manipulation is involved. The twist emphasizes the absurdity of seeking connection through dishonest means, highlighting the folly in trying to win over someone who thrives on deceit.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.