Story Summary
Discover the classic Panchatantra tale, The Brahmin's Goat. Learn how three clever crooks used deception and the power of suggestion to trick a pious man.
A pious Brahmin once received a healthy goat as a gift for a religious ritual. As he walked home with the animal slung over his shoulders, three hungry crooks spotted him and plotted to steal it. They positioned themselves at intervals along his path. The first crook greeted him and asked, 'O holy man, why are you carrying a mangy dog on your shoulders?' The Brahmin ignored him, knowing he carried a goat. A little further, the second crook asked, 'Why does a priest carry a dead calf?' The Brahmin began to doubt his own eyes. Finally, the third crook cried out, 'Woe! Why do you carry a filthy, shapeshifting demon?' Terrified that the goat was actually a malevolent spirit, the Brahmin dropped the animal and fled in horror. The three crooks laughed, caught the goat, and enjoyed a feast.
The Moral
Do not let the repeated lies of others cloud your own judgment or cause you to doubt the truth before your eyes.
“Even the truth becomes a lie when a man listens to the many instead of his own eyes.”
Fun Fact
This story is a classic example of ancient psychological warfare, illustrating that propaganda and consensus can be more powerful than physical force.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Brahmin's Goat?
The story teaches that even a wise person can be deceived if multiple people repeat the same lie. it warns us not to succumb to groupthink or social pressure when we know the truth.
Who wrote the story of The Brahmin's Goat?
This fable is part of the Panchatantra, an ancient Indian collection of animal stories attributed to the scholar Vishnu Sharma, designed to teach political and life lessons.
Why did the Brahmin believe the three crooks?
The Brahmin fell victim to the power of repetition. When three different people told him the same lie at different times, his confidence in his own senses was shaken.
Is The Brahmin's Goat about social proof?
Yes, psychologists often use this story to explain 'social proof' and the 'illusory truth effect,' where people believe false information simply because it is repeated by many.
What happens to the goat at the end of the story?
After the Brahmin abandons the animal out of fear, the three crooks successfully capture the goat and take it away to be slaughtered for their own meal.
What does the Brahmin represent in the story?
The Brahmin represents an educated person who, despite his knowledge, lacks the practical wisdom or 'street smarts' to recognize a coordinated deception.
