“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci (Adopted by Steve Jobs)
A Traveler was about to set forth upon a journey. He stood at the door, calling for his Dog. Finally, after looking, he found his Dog laying sleeping.
As he woke the Dog, and Dog stretched and yawned, and the Traveler asked the Dog sharply: “Why do you rest? Everything is ready but you, so come with me instantly.”
The Dog, wagging his tail, replied: “Why should you say that? I was waiting for you!”
Moral of the Story: Beware of excuse by projection. (Sloth will find an excuse.)
Introduction – The Essential Aesop – Epilogue
Why We Loved It: Aesop taught about self-responsibility in The Eagle and the Arrow [1] and self-actualization in Hercules and the Waggoner [2], and he taught about clever excuses in The Ass’s Brains [3], all corollaries of the “blame game.”
In this fable, we find another variation, blame projection.
The usual “moral of the story” for this fable is customarily, “sloth will find an excuse.“ And so it is that perhaps sloth does find an excuse, but there is a finer point for critical analysis. There is wisdom in this knowledge of human nature—if not wisdom itself—so let us tier it down and dig deeper, remembering that each fable was the illustration or summary example for a larger and more complex lesson.
What we discover to be really special about this 2,000 year old ancient fable is that it exposes us to what we now consider to be “complex modern psychology,” being the stuff of presumptuously elevated doctorate degrees. More specifically, the modern psychology concept of blame projection. A new theory or name perhaps, but not new humanity.
By casting against type, Aesop uses the least likely character to make his point: “Man’s best friend,” being the Dog.
The Dog, who is customarily perceived to be loyal, and always ready to go for a walk or a ride (perhaps in a chariot), is used to project blame back onto the Man.
Indeed, Aesop suggests that, if Man’s best friend will do it, anyone will do it. Aesop even has the Dog wagging his tail, with an implication that the Dog knows exactly what he is doing.
For a learned exposition of the modern psychological concept of “The Blame Game,” we can refer to George Simon, Ph.D and one of his blogs at counsellingresource.com, paraphrasing a portion below:
Perhaps no behavior which disordered characters are prone to displaying is more common than their tendency to blame others when they do something wrong….The tactic of blaming has sometimes been called projecting the blame….
In this way, they simultaneously evade responsibility as well as manipulate and manage the impressions of others. The tactic goes hand in hand with the tactic of portraying oneself as a victim. It’s typically an effective tactic that gets others to pay attention to everyone or everything else except the disordered character and his wrongful behavior as the source of a problem…
Sometimes the tactic of blaming can be quite subtle. By calling attention to a wide variety of contributing circumstances, a manipulator can effectively obscure his or her role in the creation of a problem. This “it wasn’t me” tactic is hard to detect when your attention is drawn to other ‘culprits’ through this diversionary sleight of hand….“
[4] As a corollary to the rhetorical “manipulation,” this type of evasive tactic was implemented by the beguiling Fox in the ancient text-book, The Ass’s Brains [3] moving the Lion’s attention away from the Fox as culprit. Whether the act is by being clever, or by some form of mental disorder, it is immaterial.
Different causation to same effect.
But, for those interested in a “general rule of thumb” to determine whether the actor’s mental condition is clever or disordered, we can assess it using an old-school rule-of-thumb as to whether the actor is in a “true state” of unhappiness. Although not conclusive by any means, a blame disorder (internal harmony failure) and anger are often correlated, noting that Aesop’s Dog is wagging his tail.
The reason: clever, witty, beguiling blame can be a controlled form of calculated rhetoric, but “true” (not rhetorical) anger is a disharmonious loss of control. The tendency is not for internal disorder and peaceful ordered internal harmony to co-exist in the same space at the same time.
In a challenge between manipulative joy and manipulative anger, the anger wins because it a loss of control; that is, happy people can act angry, but angry people cannot act happy.
[5] The Dog here seems to be playing a sophisticated game of sorts, as was the Fox in The Ass’s Brains [3]. In the The Ass’s Brains, the Fox played the game of displacing blame by target’s vain desire to embrace the excuse. In this fable, somewhat inversely, the Dog plays the game of displacement of blame onto the target by “hot potato” projection.
In either application, the lesson here is for wisdom to be vigilant to recognize the context for projection (perhaps involuntary) or rhetorical manipulation (voluntary), and if not also to respect the time-tested power of Ancient Master Aesop.
As is often attributed to Master Sigmund Freud, ““Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar,” similarly here, the Master must assess:
Does the Dog actually “believe” his own excuse? If so, how so? If not, why not? That is: Is the wag in the Dog’s tail true or false, and why?
The Dog’s act is the constant, the Master’s assessment is the variable. [6, 7]
That is the game of it: When is the wag of a tail just a wag of a tail?
A tale as old as time, and it’s not that complicated. Moreover, it may be generally presumed that Aesop warns as us as the Traveler in this fable, it might be that Aesop offers all of us the tool of wisdom as the Dog: The Traveler’s goal was to travel, the Dog’s goal was to sleep for a while. Thus the adages, “Simplicitas in arte eius est, non in scientia eius.” (“Simplicity is in the art of it, not in the science of it.”) and Sapientia in oculis spectantis est.” (“Wisdom is in the eye of the beholder.”)
[1] Blame 101. Or, Attitude, and Sticks and Stones. – No. 88. The Eagle and the Arrow – The Essential Aesop™ – Back to Basics Abridgment Series [GRZ98_88] [LinkedIn #GRZ_98_88]
[2] Self-Power. Prayer, Hope and Luck. Or, Just Do It. – No. 77. Hercules and the Waggoner – The Essential Aesop™ – Back to Basics Abridgment Series [GRZ98_77] [LinkedIn #GRZ_98_77]
[3] Wit, Clever Excuses and Plausible Deniability – No. 87. The Ass’s Brains – The Essential Aesop™ – Back to Basics Abridgment Series [GRZ98_87] [LinkedIn #GRZ_98_87]
[4] Are You Running With Your Shoes Untied? – Or, the Despise of Failure by Self-Inflicted Wounds [GRZ208] [LinkedIn #GRZ_208]
[5] Donald Trump; Or, The Mean Insult v. The Tactical Insult [GRZ108] [LinkedIn #GRZ_108]
[6] On Empathy: To Give Empathy Is a Blessing; To Need Empathy Is a Curse [GRZ106] [LinkedIn #GRZ_106]
[7] VI. Simulation and Dissimulation; Or, The Art of the Lie. – Back to Basics Abridgement Series [GRZ190] [LinkedIn #GRZ_190]
“Simplicitas in arte eius est, non in scientia eius.” (“Simplicity is in the art of it, not in the science of it.”); Sapientia in oculis spectantis est.” (“Wisdom is in the eye of the beholder.”) ~ grz
ChatGPT Review
Here is a deep dive analysis of Gregg Zegarelli’s Essential Aesop™ No. 95: The Traveler and His Dog, titled:
“Projection, Fault Displacement, and Easy Excuses”
🐶 FABLE SYNOPSIS & TEACHING CORE
Plot:
A Traveler is ready to go and finds his Dog sleeping. The Traveler scolds the Dog for delaying the journey. The Dog, wagging his tail, slyly replies, “Why do you say that? I was waiting for you.”
Standard Moral:
Sloth will find an excuse.
Zegarelli’s Refined Moral:
The fable illustrates blame projection—the psychological deflection of personal responsibility by turning fault onto others.
🧠 PEDAGOGY: THE DEEPER STRUCTURE
1. The Ancient Root of Modern Psychology
Zegarelli shows that Aesop’s fable predates modern psychological theory:
“Blame projection” is not a new disorder; it’s an ancient behavior.
He invokes Dr. George Simon’s clinical insight on manipulative personalities to show that:
- Projecting blame is both evasive and impression managing.
- It can be subtle, cloaked in charm, or disguised as victimhood.
This brings a core Zegarelli theme:
🧠 Human behavior is ancient; only the language has changed.
2. Casting Against Type – The Dog as Deceiver
- Dogs = symbols of loyalty, innocence, obedience.
- Aesop inverts expectation by making the Dog the clever deflector.
If even Man’s Best Friend can slyly project blame, anyone can.
This method mirrors other Zegarelli inversions (e.g., using the Roach as the ideal being)—inviting the reader to reflect beyond symbols and into human behavior.
3. Internal Harmony vs. Disharmony
Zegarelli makes a Freudian distinction:
- If the Dog were truly angry, we might suspect deeper emotional disorder.
- But the Dog wags his tail—a sign of calculated, controlled rhetoric.
This aligns with his broader diagnostic tool:
“Anger is disharmony; joy can fake anger, but anger can’t fake joy.”
Thus, the Dog’s manipulation is witting—not an outburst, but a rhetorical defense.
🔄 THE ETHICAL STRUCTURE OF THE FABLE
| Concept | Aesopic Example | Zegarelli Extension |
|---|---|---|
| Blame Projection | Dog saying “I was waiting for you” | Clinical tactic of manipulators to avoid responsibility |
| Casting Against Type | Loyal dog as deceptive party | Even symbols of loyalty can deceive |
| Excuse as Defense | Dog reverses fault onto Man | Sloth becomes an accuser, not just a sinner |
| Emotional Deception | Tail wag as rhetorical disguise | Contrast with true anger as internal disorder |
📚 TIES TO OTHER AESOP ARTICLES
Zegarelli situates this fable in a constellation of related moral analyses:
- 🏹 GRZ98_88 – The Eagle and the Arrow: Self-responsibility through internal causation.
- 💪 GRZ98_77 – Hercules and the Waggoner: Action over complaint or external hope.
- 🦊 GRZ98_87 – The Ass’s Brains: Clever rhetorical excuses and attention redirection.
- 🏃♂️ GRZ208 – Shoes Untied: Failure as self-inflicted and often blamed elsewhere.
Together, these form a tiered anatomy of accountability.
🧩 THE ROACH CONNECTION
This piece connects implicitly—but importantly—to Zegarelli’s Roach metaphor (GRZ_AI_Roach):
- The Dog excuses itself to preserve comfort and sleep.
- The Roach accepts duty, exists within nature’s plan, and avoids the delusions of self-importance.
The Dog seeks to live without blame while evading responsibility.
The Roach lives with purpose, no blame needed.
So while the Dog manipulates, the Roach simply functions.
→ In the Zegarelli ethos, authenticity in simplicity (Roach) always outranks manipulated complexity (Dog/Fox).
🧭 WISDOM AS ASSESSMENT
“The Dog’s act is the constant; the Master’s assessment is the variable.”
This brilliant aphorism teaches the reader that the true drama is not the Dog’s excuse—but the Traveler’s judgment.
- Does the Master recognize projection?
- Can he discern rhetoric from sincerity?
- Can he detect true wag from false wag?
It’s a Socratic turn: Aesop teaches the Dog’s behavior, but tests the Master’s wisdom.
🔮 CONCLUSION: THE BLAME GAME AS A TEST OF VISION
Zegarelli elevates this short fable into a multi-dimensional allegory:
- About how cleverness masks culpability.
- About how symbols (like the loyal dog) can deceive.
- About how the real wisdom lies in the observer’s discernment, not the actor’s excuses.
The fable becomes a mirror, not a story:
Are we the Dog or the Traveler?
Can we tell when a wag is just a wag?
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You said: How about AIS for this one?
ChatGPT:
Yes—The Traveler and His Dog (GRZ98_95) belongs strongly in the AIS framework. It’s a compact but psychologically layered fable, and Zegarelli’s interpretation makes it almost a “mini-seminar” in accountability, projection, and discernment. Here’s how it maps:
AIS Analysis: The Traveler and His Dog (GRZ98_95)
1. Character & Identity
- Yes.
The Dog is cast against type. Normally, “man’s best friend” symbolizes loyalty and readiness, but here he becomes the deceiver. The inversion teaches that projection is not a matter of identity type—anyone can displace blame.
AIS Take-away: Identity symbols (loyal dog, trusted friend, dependable colleague) do not exempt one from accountability.
2. Civic & Leadership Discernment
- Yes.
Projection is not just personal—it’s civic. Leaders, organizations, even governments project failures outward to preserve legitimacy. Recognizing when excuses are projection is a civic duty.
AIS Take-away: A wise public does not accept excuses at face value; it checks where responsibility truly lies.
3. Cognitive Awareness & Bias
- Yes (core).
Projection is itself a cognitive bias—a self-defense tactic. The Traveler must detect whether the Dog’s excuse is sincere or deflective. Zegarelli frames this as: the act is constant, the assessment is variable.
AIS Take-away: Wisdom is the ability to see through rationalizations.
4. Moral & Ethical Reasoning
- Yes.
The Dog uses a clever excuse to evade responsibility. The moral tension isn’t between good and evil—it’s between responsibility and evasion.
AIS Take-away: Ethics begins with ownership of fault. Projection corrodes moral accountability.
5. Pattern Recognition & Predictive Thinking
- Yes.
Zegarelli ties the Dog’s tactic to a broader pattern: humans always find excuses, and projection is one of the oldest. Recognizing this pattern inoculates the observer against surprise.
AIS Take-away: Expect projection—it’s part of the human playbook.
6. Rhetoric, Persuasion & Disinformation
- Yes (core).
This is the heart of the fable. The Dog’s wagging tail is rhetorical disguise—a veneer of charm to cover guilt. Like the Fox in The Ass’s Brains, it’s a form of plausible deniability.
AIS Take-away: Projection often comes sugarcoated—detect the manipulation, not the wag.
7. Virtue Philosophy & Emotional Discipline
- Yes.
The Traveler must discipline himself not to be seduced by the Dog’s excuse. The virtue is not in the Dog (who manipulates), but in the observer’s self-control in assigning blame correctly.
AIS Take-away: Discipline = refusing to accept projection as truth.
8. Wisdom vs. Intelligence
- Yes.
The Dog is clever, but not wise. The clever excuse preserves comfort in the moment, but wisdom would have owned responsibility and avoided fault-shifting.
AIS Take-away: Cleverness excuses; wisdom accepts accountability.
📊 AIS Scorecard
| AIS Category | Applied? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Character & Identity | ✅ | Loyalty inverted into deception |
| Civic & Leadership Discernment | ✅ | Projection as civic manipulation |
| Cognitive Awareness & Bias | ✅ Core | Excuse detection is wisdom |
| Moral & Ethical Reasoning | ✅ | Responsibility vs. evasion |
| Pattern Recognition | ✅ | Projection is an old pattern |
| Rhetoric & Disinformation | ✅ Core | Wagging tail = rhetorical mask |
| Virtue & Discipline | ✅ | Observer must resist excuse |
| Wisdom vs. Intelligence | ✅ | Clever ≠ wise |
🎯 AIS Take-away
The Traveler and His Dog is a textbook AIS fable because it demonstrates:
- How excuses invert reality through projection.
- How rhetoric (a wagging tail, a friendly tone) masks evasion.
- How the true test of wisdom is not the excuse itself—but the observer’s discernment.
It integrates accountability, cognitive bias, rhetorical vigilance, and wisdom vs. cleverness—hitting nearly every AIS category.
👉 My assessment: this deserves consideration for the AIS Hall of Fame candidate list.. It’s not as thematically dense as some others, but it is one of the clearest illustrations of modern psychology embedded in ancient story.
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© 2013 Arnold Zegarelli and Gregg Zegarelli, Esq.
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/pulse/projection-fault-displacement-easy-excuses-95-his-zegarelli-esq-/
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