“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Leonardo da Vinci. Adopted by Steve Jobs.
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A Fox had never seen a Lion.
The first time, the Fox ran away in fear.
The next time the Fox saw a Lion, the Fox remained on his ground, although far away.
And so it was, that each time the Fox saw the Lion, the Fox allowed himself to become a bit closer to the Lion, until the Fox was able to introduce himself.
After some time with the Lion, the Fox told his friends, “I talk with the Lion often, and he is not all that he is told to be.”
Moral of the Story: Familiarity breeds contempt.
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Introduction – The Essential Aesop – Epilogue
Related Article: Surviving Prejudice, Not All Bad
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Why We Loved It: Perhaps it is subtle, but this fable exposes the fundamental cycle of human nature: from flight to fight. That is, the natural progression from insecure fear of the unknown, to the confidence that goes with knowledge, and the knowledge that leads to judgment, confidence and control. [1, 2]
Aesop casts generally in type, using his Lion, symbolizing power, and the Fox who is clever, but here initially fearful and reserved in self-preservation. [3]
The Fox fears the Lion’s perceived power, but only at first. Each time, the Fox gets closer and closer, assessing the conditions. Finally, the Fox achieves the knowledge that allows him to judge the context, thereby developing confidence in his relative ability as superior to the context.
The Fox gains security as he gains knowledge; the inverse is that the Lion loses perceived power as he allows others to know him. The Fox then, perhaps presumptuously, condescends as to the Lion, by the progression.
“Never tell anyone outside the Family what you are thinking again.” The Godfather, Don Corleone [Mario Puzo]
“Mystery by its very arcaneness causes veneration. Even when revealing yourself, avoid total frankness, and don’t everyone look inside you. Cautious silence is where prudence takes refuge. Once declared, resolutions are never esteemed, and they lie open to criticism. If they turn out badly, you will be twice unfortunate. If you want people to watch and wait on you, imitate the divinity.” Baltasar Gracian. The Art of Worldly Wisdom.
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© 2013 Arnold Zegarelli and Gregg Zegarelli, Esq. Gregg can be contacted through LinkedIn. Arnold Zegarelli can be contacted through Facebook.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/familiarity-breeds-contempt-40-fox-lion-essential-zegarelli-esq-
[1] The Insecure Human Being – The Business of Aesop™ No. 51 – A Fox Without a Tail [#GRZ_36]
[3] Surviving Prejudice, Not All Bad [#GRZ_73]
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