A Talisman
Story Summary
In the short bedtime story "A Talisman," a Prominent Citizen tries to evade jury duty by submitting a physician's certificate claiming he suffers from softening of the brain. The Judge humorously dismisses his excuse, stating that he indeed possesses a brain, highlighting the importance of fulfilling civic responsibilities. This thought-provoking moral story serves as a valuable lesson for young readers about accountability and the futility of trying to avoid one's duties.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that true wisdom and discernment often reveal themselves through actions rather than mere appearances or claims.
Historical Context
This story plays on the themes of irony and satire that are prevalent in judicial and comedic literature. It echoes elements of Aesop's Fables, where moral lessons are conveyed through clever anecdotes, and has parallels in the works of writers like Ambrose Bierce, who often critiqued social norms and human folly. The humorous twist highlights the absurdity of certain societal roles and expectations, particularly in the context of civic duty and intelligence.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the importance of personal responsibility and integrity in civic duties, reminding us that avoiding accountability under false pretenses is ultimately self-defeating. For example, in a workplace setting, an employee might try to dodge a challenging project by feigning illness, but this not only undermines their credibility but also erodes trust within their team, demonstrating that true character is revealed through how we confront our obligations.
You May Also Like
The Thief and the Honest Man
In the wisdom-packed moral story "The Thief and the Honest Man," a thief sues his accomplices for his share of stolen goods from an Honest Man, who cleverly evades the trial by claiming he is merely an agent for other honest individuals. When served with a subpoena, the Honest Man amusingly distracts himself by pretending to pick his own pockets, illustrating the lessons learned from stories about accountability and cleverness in the face of adversity. This short story with a moral leaves readers pondering the complexities of honesty and complicity in wrongdoing.
The Return of the Representative
In "The Return of the Representative," a group of disgruntled citizens from an Assembly District, reminiscent of famous fables with moral lessons, convene to decide extreme punishments for their absent representative, contemplating disembowelment and hanging. Their plans take an unexpected turn when the representative arrives in a celebratory coach, greeted by a brass band, declaring it the proudest moment of his life, much to the dismay of the crowd. This classic moral story highlights the irony of public sentiment and the disconnect between representatives and their constituents.
The Flea and the Man
In the well-known moral story "The Flea and the Man," a man, exasperated by a flea's incessant biting, captures it and confronts its plea for mercy. The flea argues that its harm is minimal, but the man, finding humor in the situation, decides to kill it, asserting that no wrongdoing, regardless of its size, should be tolerated. This short story with moral serves as a humorous reminder that even the smallest offenses deserve acknowledgment and action.
Other names for this story
"The Juror's Secret, The Judge's Dilemma, Brain Over Matter, Talisman of Truth, The Excused Juror, A Witness to Wit, Softening the Verdict, The Certificate Conundrum"
Did You Know?
This story cleverly critiques societal pretensions and the lengths to which individuals will go to evade civic duty, highlighting the irony that the judge perceives the citizen's excuse as a reflection of their intellect rather than a legitimate ailment.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.