The Travelers and the Plane Tree
Story Summary
In this easy small story with a moral, two travelers resting under a Plane-Tree criticize it for being "useless" because it bears no fruit. The Plane-Tree responds, highlighting their ingratitude and reminding them that it provides them with shade and comfort, illustrating a key lesson for young readers: some people fail to appreciate their best blessings. This concise moral tale serves as a reminder to recognize and value the benefits we often take for granted.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Appreciate the blessings and benefits you receive, even if they seem insignificant or unrecognized.
Historical Context
This story echoes themes found in ancient fables, particularly those attributed to Aesop, a Greek storyteller from the 6th century BCE. Aesop’s fables often convey moral lessons through personified animals and plants, highlighting the importance of gratitude and recognizing the value of seemingly unremarkable gifts. The Plane-Tree’s dialogue emphasizes the cultural significance of nature in providing comfort and sustenance, urging appreciation for the often-overlooked blessings in life.
Our Editors Opinion
In modern life, this story reminds us to appreciate the often-overlooked blessings and comforts around us, such as the support of friends or the stability of a job, even when they don't seem immediately fruitful. For instance, a person may complain about a job that feels unfulfilling, only to realize that it provides financial security and a supportive workplace culture that allows them to pursue their passions outside of work.
You May Also Like
The Man the Horse the Ox and the Dog
In "The Man the Horse the Ox and the Dog," a heartwarming tale from classic moral stories, a horse, ox, and dog find refuge from the cold with a kind man who provides them food and warmth. In gratitude, they divide the man's life span among themselves, each infusing their portion with attributes that reflect human nature at different stages, offering young readers valuable lessons about the impetuousness of youth, the industriousness of middle age, and the irritable nature of old age. This unique moral story serves as an entertaining and educational reminder of how our characteristics shape our lives.
The Lion and the Thorn
In this engaging moral tale, a lion, grateful for a shepherd's help in removing a thorn from his foot, spares him after a meal. However, when the shepherd is falsely accused and sentenced to be fed to the lions, one lion recognizes him and claims him as his own, leading to the shepherd's demise at the hands of the very creature he once aided. This timeless moral story serves as a cautionary reminder of how past kindness can be repaid in unexpected ways.
The Peasant and the Eagle
In this short tale with a moral, a Peasant rescues an Eagle trapped in a snare, and in gratitude, the Eagle warns him of impending danger by retrieving a bundle from his head before the wall he was sitting under collapses. The Peasant realizes that the Eagle's intervention saved his life, leaving him in awe of the creature's loyalty and highlighting the importance of kindness in life-lesson moral stories. This story serves as a reminder that acts of compassion can lead to unexpected rewards.
Other names for this story
The Shade of Gratitude, Beneath the Plane Tree, Travelers’ Reflection, The Gift of Shade, Unseen Blessings, The Useless Tree Debate, Shade and Gratitude, The Plane Tree's Wisdom
Did You Know?
This story highlights the theme of gratitude and the tendency of individuals to overlook the value of what they have, often taking for granted the blessings that provide comfort and support in their lives. The Plane-Tree's response serves as a reminder to appreciate the often unseen contributions of others.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.