The Honourable Member
Story Summary
In this captivating moral tale, a member of the Legislature, who had vowed not to steal, returns home with a large part of the Capitol dome, inciting his constituents to hold an indignation meeting and consider punishment. Defending himself by claiming he never promised not to lie, he is oddly deemed an "honourable man" and elected to Congress without any pledges, showcasing the humorous yet educational nature of short moral stories.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates the idea that integrity and honesty in public service are essential, as mere compliance with legal obligations can still lead to moral corruption.
Historical Context
This story reflects the satirical tradition of political commentary prevalent in American literature, drawing on the legacy of figures like Jonathan Swift and Mark Twain, who criticized political corruption and the moral failings of public officials. The absurdity of the situation, where a legislator is rewarded despite blatant dishonesty, echoes the disillusionment with politics in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as the broader theme of the often tenuous relationship between elected officials and their constituents. Such tales serve as a reflection of societal cynicism toward governance and the complexities of political ethics.
Our Editors Opinion
This story reflects the ongoing struggle between public trust and political accountability in modern life, highlighting how elected officials can manipulate ethical boundaries for personal gain. A real-life scenario could involve a politician who, despite campaigning on a platform of transparency and integrity, engages in deceptive practices—such as misusing campaign funds—while justifying their actions with legal loopholes, ultimately eroding public trust and accountability.
You May Also Like
The Bear and the Fox
In the short fable "The Bear and the Fox," a boastful Bear claims to be the most philanthropic animal, asserting he respects humans so greatly that he won't even touch their dead bodies. The clever Fox counters this claim, suggesting it would be far more virtuous for the Bear to eat the dead rather than prey on the living. This well-known moral story highlights the true nature of philanthropy in a humorous and thought-provoking manner.
The Catted Anarchist
In "The Catted Anarchist," a quick moral story that intertwines humor and absurdity, an Anarchist Orator, struck by a dead cat thrown by an unknown law enforcer, decides to arrest the cat and bring it before a Magistrate. In a twist reminiscent of fable stories with moral lessons, the Magistrate humorously declares the cat guilty and appoints the Anarchist as the executioner, much to the delight of the law enforcer who instigated the chaos. This meaningful story with moral explores themes of justice, inconsistency, and the absurdity of authority.
The Austere Governor
In "The Austere Governor," a moral story highlighting the lessons learned from hypocrisy, a governor visits a state prison and refuses to pardon a convict who abused his office for personal gain. Ironically, he then reveals his own corruption by asking the warden to appoint his nephew in exchange for political favors, illustrating the theme that those who preach integrity may themselves lack it. This short tale serves as an inspirational story with a moral, reminding readers of the importance of true ethical conduct.
Other names for this story
"Capitol Conundrum", "The Lying Legislator", "Promises and Politics", "Dome of Deceit", "Honour Among Thieves", "The Unpledged Politician", "A Member's Dilemma", "Feathers and Folly"
Did You Know?
This story satirizes the often blurred lines between ethics and morality in politics, highlighting how voters may overlook dishonesty if it serves their interests, suggesting that the promise to not steal is easily overshadowed by the acceptance of a politician's ability to lie.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.