A Forfeited Right
Story Summary
In "A Forfeited Right," a Thrifty Person sues the Chief of the Weather Bureau after relying on his accurate weather prediction to stock umbrellas that ultimately go unsold. The court rules in favor of the Thrifty Person, highlighting the moral lesson that one can forfeit their right to truthfulness through a history of deception. This classic moral story serves as an inspirational reminder about the importance of integrity and trustworthiness in communication.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that a history of dishonesty can undermine one's credibility, making it difficult for others to trust their truthful assertions.
Historical Context
This story reflects a satirical critique of the relationship between individuals and authority, particularly in the realms of prediction and accountability, reminiscent of the folk tale tradition where clever or shrewd characters outwit those in power. Similar themes can be found in Aesop's Fables and other moral tales, where the consequences of human folly and the absurdities of societal norms are highlighted. The narrative echoes the humor found in early 20th-century American literature, which often critiqued bureaucracy and the absurdities of modern life, suggesting a cultural landscape that valued ingenuity and skepticism towards authority.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the contemporary theme of accountability in the face of expert predictions, reminding us that reliance on forecasts—be it in business, weather, or finance—can lead to unforeseen consequences. For instance, a small business owner might stock up on seasonal merchandise based on optimistic sales projections from market analysts, only to find that consumer behavior shifts unexpectedly, leading to significant losses and raising questions about the validity of the forecasts they relied upon.
You May Also Like
The Oracle and the Impious
In "The Oracle and the Impious," a suspected heretic devises a deceptive plan to trick Apollo into revealing the fate of a sparrow, hoping to outsmart the divine. However, the story underscores a famous moral lesson: no one can manipulate divine knowledge, as Apollo sees through his scheme and warns against such folly. This short story with moral highlights the futility of attempting to deceive the gods, emphasizing that all actions are under their watchful gaze.
The Taken Hand
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.
An Unspeakable Imbecile
In "An Unspeakable Imbecile," a judge poses a final question to a convicted assassin before sentencing him to death, seeking any last words. The assassin, dismissing the notion that his words could alter his fate, delivers a sharp insult, labeling the judge an "unspeakable old imbecile." This engaging moral tale highlights the futility of defiance in the face of inevitable consequences while offering simple lessons from stories about the respect for authority and the weight of one's words.
Other names for this story
"Truth and Consequence, Weathering the Storm, Umbrella Justice, Forecast Fallout, The Price of Prediction, Accountability in Weather, Legal Umbrella, A Costly Forecast"
Did You Know?
This story illustrates the irony of expecting a forecasted outcome based on a history of unreliable predictions, highlighting themes of accountability and the complexities of trust in authority. It humorously underscores how a reliance on flawed past experiences can lead to misguided decisions, even in seemingly straightforward situations.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.