From the Minutes
Story Summary
In "From the Minutes," a misguided orator, proud of his supposed integrity, misinterprets a gesture of scorn directed at his reputation, leading to his mortifying collapse and death. His colleagues, reflecting on the simple lessons from his frequent nonsensical speeches, decide to honor him by adjourning whenever they are tired, illustrating the big moral story of the consequences of lacking common sense. This very short moral story serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and self-awareness.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates the folly of pride and the consequences of lacking self-awareness, ultimately highlighting how ignorance can lead to one's downfall.
Historical Context
This story, reminiscent of works by authors such as Lewis Carroll and Mark Twain, reflects a satirical critique of political discourse and the absurdities of legislative bodies in the 19th century. The use of personification and irony serves to highlight the theme of self-deception and the disconnection between public persona and private failings, a common motif in literature exploring the follies of governance. Retellings of similar themes can be found in various cultural narratives that emphasize the folly of pride and the consequences of delusion in leadership.
Our Editors Opinion
This story illustrates the dangers of self-deception and the consequences of ignoring one's own shortcomings, a theme that resonates in modern life where social media can create a façade of perfection. For instance, a public figure may boast about their unblemished reputation while scandals lurk beneath the surface; this could lead to their downfall when the truth inevitably surfaces, prompting a wider conversation about accountability and the importance of authenticity.
You May Also Like
The Legislator and the Citizen
In this humorous moral story, an ex-Legislator seeks a recommendation from a Most Respectable Citizen for the position of Commissioner of Shrimps and Crabs, despite his notorious past of selling influence. Initially outraged, the citizen ultimately agrees to help, crafting a witty letter that highlights the irony of political corruption and emphasizes that an honest man should only "swap" influence rather than sell it. This timeless moral tale offers a valuable lesson on integrity, making it an engaging choice for kids' moral stories.
The Writer and the Tramps
In "The Writer and the Tramps," a story that embodies the spirit of heartwarming moral stories, an Ambitious Writer arrogantly dismisses a Tramp's question about his shirt, claiming it symbolizes the genius's unconcern. The Tramp, in a simple yet profound act, carves "John Gump, Champion Genius" into a tree, delivering a life-changing lesson about the contrast between true talent and superficial arrogance. This moral short story reminds us that true genius is often humble and unassuming.
The Self-Made Monkey
In this short moral tale, a humble man in a high political office boasts about being a self-made man to a Monkey he encounters in the forest. The Monkey challenges his claim by demonstrating self-creation in a humorous way, ultimately conveying that merely being self-made does not constitute true achievement. This meaningful story imparts a simple lesson about the distinction between self-creation and genuine accomplishment, highlighting the value of humility and recognition of true merit.
Other names for this story
"Echoes of Folly", "The Unblotted Escutcheon", "Mortification in Legislation", "Whispers of Atrophy", "The Orator's Fall", "Scorn and Silence", "Legislative Lament", "Blackened Pride"
Did You Know?
This story satirizes the disconnect between political rhetoric and reality, highlighting how pride in one's reputation can be easily undermined by the truth, leading to the downfall of both the speaker and their idealized image. The absurdity of the situation underscores the theme of self-deception in politics, where appearances often mask deeper flaws.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.