Library / Aesop’s Fables

Truth and the Traveler

A traditional fable

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Truth and the Traveler

A wayfaring man, traveling through the vast desert, came across a woman standing alone, her demeanor one of deep sorrow. Intrigued by her presence, he approached her and inquired, "Who art thou?"

"My name is Truth," she replied, her voice tinged with sadness.

The man, sensing the weight of her solitude, asked, "And for what cause have you left the city to dwell alone here in the wilderness?"

She answered, "In former times, falsehood was found among few, but now it is embraced by all men."

The man's heart ached for Truth, for he understood the profound loneliness she felt in a world that had turned its back on her.

The moral
The prevalence of falsehood in society can drive truth into isolation.

Discussion questions

  1. Why do you think Truth feels isolated in the story?
  2. How can we relate this story to our own experiences with honesty and deceit?
  3. What actions can we take to support truth in our own lives and communities?

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Good night.

Tomorrow night: The Fox and the Crane