A Statesman
Story Summary
In the story "A Statesman," which is part of the realm of well-known moral stories, a politician is challenged at a Chamber of Commerce meeting for his perceived irrelevance to commerce. However, an elderly member defends him by asserting that the politician, as a "Commodity," embodies a valuable lesson from moral stories about the interconnectedness of individuals and their roles in society. This engaging moral tale highlights how even those who seem distant from a topic can hold intrinsic value, echoing themes found in the top 10 moral stories.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that individuals can be viewed as valuable assets in any context, highlighting the interconnectedness of society and commerce.
Historical Context
This story draws on the tradition of satire found in early 20th-century American humor, echoing the wit of figures like Mark Twain and the use of clever wordplay to critique societal norms. The term "commodity" here serves as a metaphor for the dehumanization often seen in capitalist societies, where individuals are reduced to their economic value, a theme explored in various literary forms since the Industrial Revolution. This dialogue reflects the tension between politics and commerce, a recurring motif in both literature and public discourse.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the idea that every individual plays a role in the larger economy, emphasizing the interconnectedness of society and commerce in modern life. For instance, in a contemporary workplace, a customer service representative may feel disconnected from the core business operations, yet their interactions with clients are crucial for maintaining brand reputation and driving sales, illustrating that every role contributes to the overall success of the organization.
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Other names for this story
The Commodity Leader, The Politician's Role, Commerce and Statesmanship, The Voice of Commerce, Aged Wisdom, The Unexpected Statesman, Commerce's Hidden Influence, The Statesman's Insight
Did You Know?
This story humorously illustrates how political figures can often be viewed as mere commodities in the marketplace of ideas, suggesting that their value may be more about their public persona than their actual contributions to society or commerce. It reflects the theme of commodification in politics, where individuals are treated as products to be bought, sold, or traded rather than as complex human beings with intrinsic worth.
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