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.
You May Also Like
The Ass Carrying the Image
In this life-changing story with a moral, an ass, proud and stubborn, mistakenly believes the crowd is admiring him as they bow before a wooden image he carries. Refusing to move until his driver chastises him, the tale highlights the folly of taking credit for the achievements and reverence due to others, making it a compelling quick read story with moral lessons. This creative moral story illustrates the importance of humility and recognizing the true sources of admiration.
The Ass and the Frogs
In "The Ass and the Frogs," a burdened ass falls into a pond and groans under the weight of his load, prompting the frogs to mock him for his distress. This humorous story imparts a valuable lesson: people often complain more about minor grievances than they do about greater hardships, making it a perfect quick read story with moral for students. Through this moral short story, readers learn that perspective is crucial when facing challenges.
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.
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.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.