PEOPLE fear the powerful. Some take pride in being described as a lion, tiger, or wolf, even though these fierce predators do not differentiate between animal and human prey. On the other hand, some describe a dull and foolish person as a donkey, even though donkeys are known for their intelligence and patience. This description is inaccurate. The following story sheds light on this idea and conveys a message about the difference between slogans and action.
One day, a donkey sat by the riverbank, gazing at the reflection of his sad and weary face in the water. As a lion passed by, the donkey lifted his head and said, “O king of the jungle, whose roar makes the beasts tremble, I kindly ask you a question that has long puzzled me and drained my mind. Why should I help humans, carry their burdens, accompany them on their journeys, and work with them in the fields? Although I endure hard labor, bear harsh beatings, and remain loyal without complaint, humans still call any foolish or despised person a donkey.
Your Majesty, king of beasts, you attack, prey, and sink your fangs into living flesh. Everyone flees from you, and hearts tremble at the sound of your roar. Yet, when people wish to praise someone, they say, “He is as brave and strong as a lion.” Why, then, am I humiliated while you are praised?” The lion remained silent for a moment, then said, “My friend, this is because humans don’t acknowledge gratitude, nor do they appreciate patience or sacrifice. They fear strength, glorify those who intimidate them, praise those who impose their authority on them, and despise anyone who extends a helping hand. In the world of humans, weakness is shameful, even if it represents loyalty, while strength is glorified, even if it is unjust. That is how humans are. They don’t care about your heart, as they only care about your ability to dominate. You carry their burdens while they fill their bags with curses to hurl at you.”
The donkey fell silent for a few minutes, and then said, “Now I understand. I thought goodness was rewarded, but it seems everything is upside down in the world of humans.”
The lion nodded gently and continued on his way. Howling wolves and slogans: The second story carries lessons about those who chant slogans but take no action. A lecturer once asked his students: “If there are five wolves, and four of them decide to stop howling, how many wolves remain howling?” The students all answered, “One.”
However, one student disagreed and said, “There are still five wolves howling.” The professor asked, “How so?” The student replied, “You said the wolves decided, not stopped. Making a decision does not necessarily mean following through with it. The answer is five.” The student’s response was absolutely correct. This story reflects the lives of some people who endlessly repeat slogans and catchy phrases, which make them stars in their social circles. But in reality, they are not. Many talk, but few act. Deciding to do something and then doing something else does not make you a star.
