A Prophet of Evil

In "The Eligible Son-in-Law," a pious banker is approached by a shabby man seeking a loan of one hundred thousand dollars, claiming he will soon marry the banker's daughter, presenting this as the best security. The banker, unable to see the flaw in this scheme of mutual benefit, agrees to the loan, illustrating the themes often found in short moral tales that emphasize the importance of discernment and the potential pitfalls of blind trust. This folklore-like story serves as a motivational tale for personal growth, reminding readers to critically assess promises that seem too good to be true.

The Ingenious Blackmailer

An inventor presents a rifle that discharges lightning to a king, seeking a million dollars for the secret, but the king becomes suspicious of his intentions, recognizing the potential for war and its costs. When the inventor insists on the glory and spoils of conflict, the king, valuing integrity over greed, ultimately orders the inventor's execution for blackmailing him. This story serves as a motivational tale with a moral, illustrating the dangers of ambition and the importance of ethical considerations in pursuit of power.

A Hasty Settlement

In "A Hasty Settlement," an attorney proposes to reopen a concluded estate case after realizing there may be remaining assets, prompting the judge to reconsider the initial valuation. This concise moral story highlights the importance of diligence and the potential for overlooked opportunities, reminding readers that lessons learned from stories can inspire a deeper understanding of justice and fairness in seemingly settled matters.