“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Leonardo da Vinci. Adopted by Steve Jobs.
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In trying to get a drink, a Fox fell into a well. He could not escape no matter how hard he tried.
A Goat walked by and looked into the well.
“Why, hello there, Mr. Goat,” said the Fox. “This water is the most delicious and cool water that I ever tasted. Come in and try some.”
As the Goat jumped in, the Fox jumped onto the Goat’s back and hopped right out of the well, leaving the Goat stranded in his place.
“Enjoy the water, Mr. Goat. I trust you will find it exactly as I described it,” said the Fox, as he walked away.
Moral of the Story: Sometimes it’s not the thing itself that is bad, it’s the consequences. It’s not the cheese that kills the mouse. Think things through. Look before you leap. Never trust the advice of a person in difficulties.
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Introduction – The Essential Aesop – Epilogue
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Why We Loved It: This fable reminds us that opportunities tend to be complex choices. There is often some form of bait, offering to satisfy some need or desire. But, the bait itself is not the entire scope of the choice—the choice tends to be more complex.
Some people see only the bait, with satisfaction of the immediate need. Others, rather, also see the consequences that follow taking the bait. This stop-and-think is the virtue of prudent temperance. Desire drives us forward, discipline keeps control, and wisdom chooses.
We remember that it is not the cheese that kills the mouse, but the metal rod that strikes its neck while it enjoys the meal. Simply viewed, the cheese is cheese, and the mouse got its meal—albeit its last meal.
Often in business, there are a variety of opportunities. Some seem very inviting, but sustaining a business is sometimes defined in staying on a present course. Things only sustain until they don’t. There are times to act, but this fable reminds us to think it all through, wisely.
“Man’s life on earth is a militia against malicia, or malice. Cunning arms itself with strategies of intention. It never does what it indicates. It takes aim deceptively, feints nonchalantly in the air, and delivers its blow, acting upon unforeseen reality with attentive dissimulation. To win the attention and confidence of others, it hints at its intention. But immediately it turns against that intention and conquers through surprise. The penetrating intelligence heads off cunning with close observation, ambushes it with caution, understands the opposite of what cunning wanted it to understand, and immediately identifies false intentions. Intelligence allows the first intention to pass by, and awaits the second one, and even the third. Simulation grows even greater seeing that its guile has been penetrated, and tries to deceive by telling the truth. Changing strategies, it beguiles us with its apparent lack of guile. It bases its cunning on the greatest candor. But observation comes forward, sees through all this, and discovers the shadows that are cloaked in light. It deciphers intention, which is most hidden when most simple.” ~Baltasar Gracian, The Art of Worldly Wisdom
“Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and determine the cost to see if there are sufficient resources for its completion? Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work, the onlookers should mock him and say, ‘This man began to build but was unable to finish.’ Or what king making war would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand men he can successfully oppose another king coming against him with twenty thousand men? And, if not, while the other is still at a great distance, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms.” ~Jesus ONE®: 949
“Where angels fear to tread fools rush in.” Alexander Pope, Essay on Criticism
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© 2013 Arnold Zegarelli and Gregg Zegarelli, Esq. Gregg can be contacted through LinkedIn. Arnold Zegarelli can be contacted through Facebook.
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