“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Leonardo da Vinci. Adopted by Steve Jobs.
________________________
A Rabbit left home to get dinner.
While he was gone, a Weasel entered the Rabbit’s home with the intent to stay. When the Rabbit returned, the presence of the Weasel caused a great argument.
A Cat heard of the dispute and kindly offered to settle it.
“Come closer,” said the Cat, “I wish to hear each of you on this matter, but am old and hard of hearing.”
So, the Rabbit and the Weasel went close to the Cat upon which the Cat seized both of them for a special feast. “It is settled then,” said the Cat.
Moral of the Story: Beware of the strong who have an interest to settle a matter or advise to their own advantage.
________________________
Introduction – The Essential Aesop – Epilogue
Related Article: The Insecure Human Being – The Business of Aesop™ No. 51 – A Fox Without a Tail; Pro-Life or Pro-Choice? Chapter 1, Bias.
________________________
Why We Loved It: This fable reminds us that it may be good to have a powerful dog, but the leash only contains the dog while the dog is pulling forward. The leash is of no help, if the dog should turn around. This is the risk of having a powerful ally.
We are further reminded to consider bias and self-interest in the process by which issues are resolved by others. With some limited exception, the natural tendency of things is self-interest. Survival first and comfort second. This is a risk of trusting another for unbiased determinations.
Therefore, the sage Aesop teaches us to be most careful with trusting another who is both biased by self-interest and also powerful.
“Praeiudicio sine virtute est incorporeus. Virtus sine praeiudicio rara est.” (“Bias without power is immaterial. Power without bias is rare.”)
“Lorum lorum dominum non protegit si canis circum volvitur.” (“The leash does not protect the master, if the dog should turn around.”); “Praeiudicio sine virtute est incorporeus. Virtus sine praeiudicio rara est.” (“Bias without power is immaterial. Power without bias is rare.”) ~ grz
© 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/self-interested-advice-41-rabbit-weasel-cat-aesop-zegarelli-esq-
GRZ98_41 GRZUID98_41
Leave a Reply