Aesop on kindness
This one isn’t just appropriate for the business of design, but for life in general.
The Lion and the Mouse
“A lion was sleeping in his lair when a mouse mistakenly ran over the mighty beast’s nose and awakened him. The lion grabbed the frightened little creature with his paw and was just about to crush him when the mouse began pleading for mercy and declared that he had not consciously intended to offend the lion. Moreover, the mouse sought to convince the lion not to stain his honourable paws with such an insignificant prey. Smiling at his little prisoner’s fright, the lion generously let him go.
“Now a short time after this occurrence the lion was caught in a net laid by some hunters while roaming the woods in search of prey. Finding himself entangled in rope without the hope of escape, the lion let out a roar that resounded throughout the entire forest. Recognizing the voice of his former saviour, the mouse ran to the spot, and without much ado, began nibbling the knots that had ensnared the lion. In a short time he freed the noble beast and thus convinced him that kindness is seldom wasted and that, no matter how meager a creature may be, he may have it in his power to return a good deed.”
Little friends may prove great friends.
Aesop’s Fables, published by Penguin Popular Classics. On Amazon.com. On Amazon.co.uk
Aesop on the business of design:
- Aesop on hiring a professional
- Aesop on design contests
- Aesop on client focus
- Aesop on giving critiques
- Aesop on kindness (this post)
Probably the last in the mini-series. Hope you’ve enjoyed the change in content.
Image via Thinkstock
Related posts
6 appreciated comments on “Aesop on kindness”
Anything to add?
All comments are moderated so you may experience a short delay before yours appears. Comments should be respectful of other voices in the discussion, and I reserve the right to edit or delete comments at my discretion.
Please use your real name. Keywords will be removed.
These Aesop quotes are great. I guess this story is quite similar to the “Treat your neighbour as you would treat yourself” quote. I look forward to more.
Life is too unpredictable even when we try to create as many ways to control it as possible. I think that the fable is great and it should be presented to those people who are confident that their wish or power is enough to ruin other lives and fortunes. Thanks!
This fable has stuck with me since childhood. Thanks for sharing it here. This world needs a lot more kindness going around.
Hmm.. This is a very deep thought teaser..
Thanks for sharing this, David!
So far, this is one of my favorites out of all Aesop stories you’ve shared on your blog. :)
This indeed is a very good story. Thx for sharing.