The Ass and the Old Shepherd
Story Summary
In the engaging moral tale "The Ass and the Old Shepherd," a shepherd warns his lazy Ass about an approaching enemy, but the Ass dismisses the danger, claiming that a change in leadership won't improve his burdens. This well-known moral story illustrates that for the oppressed, a shift in power often leads to no real change in their lives, reflecting the sentiment that the poor merely exchange one master for another. Ultimately, it serves as an entertaining reminder that the struggles of the underprivileged remain constant, regardless of who rules.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that the oppressed often remain unchanged by a shift in power, as their circumstances do not improve regardless of who is in charge.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, highlights themes of apathy and resignation in social hierarchies, reflecting the struggles of the lower classes throughout history. Variations of this tale have appeared in numerous cultures, illustrating the universal sentiments of subservience and the futility of hope for change when power dynamics remain unchanged. The story serves as a poignant commentary on the nature of oppression, often retold in various forms to emphasize the satirical critique of authority and the plight of the marginalized.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable underscores the idea that those in lower socio-economic positions often face the same struggles regardless of who holds power, highlighting the futility of political change for the disenfranchised. In modern life, a worker in a corporation may experience this when a new CEO is appointed; despite a change in leadership, their day-to-day responsibilities and challenges remain unchanged, reflecting the reality that systemic issues often persist regardless of who is in charge.
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Other names for this story
The Lazy Ass's Wisdom, The Shepherd's Dilemma, A Change of Masters, The Ass's Indifference, The Panniers of Power, The Shepherd and His Ass, The Ass's Choice, Master or Master?
Did You Know?
This fable illustrates the idea that for the oppressed, the identity of the ruler may be irrelevant if their circumstances remain unchanged, highlighting the often grim reality that those who serve do so under varying degrees of exploitation.
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