The Literary Astronomer
Story Summary
In "The Literary Astronomer," a Director of an Observatory, claiming to have discovered the moon, approaches an Editor to sell his account for $160, only to be told the payment is his responsibility. This thought-provoking moral story reveals the unexpected nature of transactions and the importance of self-correction, as the embarrassed Astronomer leaves to revise his manuscript after realizing he overlooked a crucial detail. This captivating tale serves as an inspirational short story with a moral about responsibility and humility, making it a valuable read for students.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates that true value and recognition often come with humility and the readiness to accept constructive criticism.
Historical Context
This story, reflective of the satirical style of American humor, draws on themes of intellectualism and the often absurd interactions between scientists and the media. It echoes the literary tradition of writers like Mark Twain and Ambrose Bierce, who critiqued societal norms and the sometimes trivial nature of professional discourse. The humor lies in the absurdity of the situation, highlighting the disconnect between groundbreaking discoveries and the mundane realities of publishing and compensation.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the often unreciprocated nature of intellectual contributions in modern society, where those who create or discover may find themselves undervalued or taken advantage of by those in positions of influence or authority. For example, a dedicated scientist may present groundbreaking research to a prestigious journal, only to face high publication fees and lengthy delays, reflecting a system that prioritizes profit over genuine appreciation for innovation.
You May Also Like
An Inflated Ambition
In "An Inflated Ambition," a corporate president enters a dry-goods shop and encounters a placard urging customers to ask for what they desire. Just as he is about to express his wishes, the shopkeeper directs a salesman to "show this gentleman the world," illustrating the irony of ambition and the moral that true fulfillment often lies beyond material wants. This easy small story with moral lessons serves as a thought-provoking tale for young readers, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s true desires.
A Flourishing Industry
In "A Flourishing Industry," a foreign traveler asks a local about American industries, only to discover that the man's business is thriving in an unexpected way—he manufactures boxing gloves for verbal sparring rather than physical fights. This humorous twist highlights the heartwarming moral that competition can be both playful and uplifting, making it a meaningful story with moral lessons about creativity and resilience.
The No Case
In "The No Case," a statesman humorously challenges the charges against him after being indicted by a Grand Jury, requesting dismissal due to a lack of evidence. He presents a check as proof of this absence, which the District Attorney finds so compelling that he claims it could exonerate anyone, showcasing the wit often found in entertaining moral stories and short tales with moral lessons. This life-changing story highlights the absurdity of justice and the clever use of humor to navigate serious situations.
Other names for this story
The Celestial Editor, Moonlight Misunderstanding, Astronomical Anecdotes, The Cosmic Scribe, Stars and Sentences, Reflections on the Cosmos, The Editor’s Eclipse, Discoveries and Dilemmas
Did You Know?
This story humorously explores the theme of the value of knowledge and discovery in contrast to the often dismissive attitudes of those in the media, highlighting how significant achievements can be undervalued or misunderstood by society.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.