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 Member and the Soap
In "The Member and the Soap," a Kansas legislator's encounter with a cake of soap leads to an unexpected lesson in humility when he shakes hands with it, only to find himself in a sticky predicament. In his frantic attempt to clean his soapy hands, he ends up covered in white soap, prompting him to seek medical advice. This whimsical tale serves as one of the top 10 moral stories, illustrating the importance of being mindful of one's actions and the value of seeking help when faced with unforeseen challenges.
The Fox the Cock and the Dog
In "The Fox the Cock and the Dog," a clever Fox tries to deceive a Cock with the news of a universal truce, claiming that all beasts will coexist peacefully. However, when the Cock mentions the approaching Dog, the Fox quickly retreats, illustrating how cunning can backfire. This classic fable, part of impactful moral stories, teaches that those who attempt to trick others may end up ensnared by their own deceit.
The Noser and the Note
In "The Noser and the Note," an insolvent bank's Head Rifler attempts to deceive an inspector by presenting a personal note as a liability, leading to a satirical exploration of financial mismanagement and the absurdity of legal loopholes. As the inspector ultimately issues a certificate of solvency, the story serves as an impactful moral tale that critiques reliance on deception, reminding readers of the importance of integrity in the face of adversity. This short and sweet moral story highlights the thin line between survival and ethical behavior, making it a thought-provoking addition to inspirational stories with moral lessons.
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.