MoralFables.com

Avaricious and Envious

fable
2 min read
0 comments
Avaricious and Envious
0:000:00

Story Summary

In the wisdom-packed moral story "Avaricious and Envious," two neighbors approach Jupiter, driven by their vices of greed and envy, leading to their inevitable downfall. The avaricious man wishes for a room full of gold but is tormented when his neighbor receives twice that amount, while the envious man, consumed by jealousy, wishes to lose an eye to blind his rival. This impactful tale serves as a creative moral story, illustrating how greed and envy ultimately punish those who harbor them.

Click to reveal the moral of the story

The story illustrates that greed and envy ultimately lead to one's own suffering and destruction.

Historical Context

This fable reflects themes of greed and envy that are prevalent in many cultures and can be traced back to ancient moral tales, specifically those attributed to Aesop in ancient Greece. The story illustrates the consequences of allowing negative emotions to dictate one's desires, a common motif in fables aimed at imparting moral lessons, such as those found in later retellings by authors like La Fontaine in 17th-century France. These narratives serve as cautionary tales that emphasize the importance of virtue and the inherent dangers of unchecked vices.

Our Editors Opinion

This story highlights the destructive nature of greed and envy, suggesting that the pursuit of selfish desires can lead to one's own misery. In modern life, this can be seen in how social media often fuels envy, leading individuals to prioritize appearances over genuine satisfaction; for instance, someone might go into debt to keep up with their friends' luxury lifestyles, only to find themselves unhappy and in financial trouble while their friends are also struggling behind the scenes.

You May Also Like

The Goods and the Ills

The Goods and the Ills

In "The Goods and the Ills," a culturally significant moral story, the Goods are expelled from their rightful place in humanity by the Ills, who, due to their overwhelming numbers, dominate the earth. Seeking justice, the Goods appeal to Jupiter, who decrees that the Ills will arrive in groups while the Goods will come individually, resulting in a world where Ills are abundant and Goods are scarce, given only to those who can recognize their true value. This short story with moral lessons highlights the importance of discernment and the challenges of recognizing goodness amidst adversity.

Good vs. Evil
The Nature of Humanity
Goods
Ills
The Lion Jupiter and the Elephant

The Lion Jupiter and the Elephant

In this classic moral story, a Lion laments to Jupiter about his fear of a cock, wishing for death due to his perceived cowardice. However, after conversing with an Elephant who is terrified of a tiny gnat, the Lion realizes that even the mightiest creatures have their fears, leading him to accept his vulnerabilities and find peace in his own strength. This impactful tale serves as a reminder that everyone has their struggles, making it one of the meaningful stories with moral lessons.

Courage
Self-acceptance
Lion
Jupiter
Jupiter Neptune Minerva and Momus

Jupiter Neptune Minerva and Momus

In an ancient legend, Jupiter, Neptune, and Minerva each create significant entities—man, bull, and house—and dispute over whose creation is the most perfect. They appoint Momus as a judge, but his incessant faultfinding leads to humorous critiques of each creation, prompting Jupiter's indignation and Momus's expulsion from Olympus. This funny story offers an uplifting moral about the pitfalls of constant criticism, making it a delightful addition to bedtime moral stories and simple moral tales.

criticism
perfectionism
Jupiter
Neptune

Other names for this story

Greed's Bitter Reward, The Curse of Envy, Neighbors in Greed, Double Trouble: A Tale of Greed, Avarice Unleashed, Envy's Dark Turn, The Price of Desire, Vices Unveiled

Did You Know?

This story illustrates the destructive nature of greed and envy, showing how the pursuit of selfish desires can lead to one's own suffering, ultimately demonstrating that vices can create a cycle of misery rather than fulfillment.

Subscribe to Daily Stories

Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.

Explore More Stories

Story Details

Age Group
adult
kids
children
story for class 3
story for class 4
story for class 5
story for class 6
story for class 7
story for class 8
Theme
avarice
envy
the consequences of vices
Characters
Jupiter
Avaricious man
Envious man
Setting
neighbour's house
Jupiter's realm

Share this Story