The Farmer's Friend

From Aesop's Fables•🏛️ Ancient Greece
1 min read
0 comments
The Farmer's Friend
0:000:00
Volume

Story Summary

In "The Farmer's Friend," a self-proclaimed philanthropist extols his contributions to society while advocating for a government loan bill, believing he is helping voters. However, an angel watches from Heaven and weeps, revealing the disparity between the philanthropist's self-serving claims and the genuine struggles faced by farmers benefiting from the early rains. This wisdom-packed moral story serves as an inspirational reminder of the importance of authenticity and true generosity in our life lessons.

Click to reveal the moral of the story

The story illustrates the idea that true philanthropy and progress are rooted in genuine care for others and the environment, rather than self-serving political ambitions.

Historical Context

This story reflects the themes of social responsibility and the moral implications of philanthropy, reminiscent of works from American literature in the late 19th to early 20th century, such as those by Mark Twain and other writers who criticized the societal elite's attempts to impose their solutions on the less fortunate. The juxtaposition of the Great Philanthropist's self-congratulatory rhetoric with the angel's sorrow serves to highlight the disconnect between lofty intentions and the real needs of people, echoing the irony often found in folk tales and parables. This narrative also evokes the spirit of the Gilded Age, a time marked by rapid economic growth and stark social inequalities in the United States.

Our Editors Opinion

This story highlights the disconnect between grand intentions and the actual impact of one's actions, revealing how superficial philanthropy can overshadow genuine need. In modern life, a real-life scenario might involve a tech billionaire funding a massive initiative to provide free internet access while neglecting the importance of education and infrastructure in underserved communities, ultimately causing more harm than good despite their good intentions.

You May Also Like

The Wasps the Partridges and the Farmer

The Wasps the Partridges and the Farmer

In "The Wasps, the Partridges, and the Farmer," two thirsty animals seek water from a Farmer, promising to enhance his vineyard and protect it from thieves in exchange. However, the Farmer declines, noting that his oxen already fulfill these roles without needing any promises. This short moral story highlights the importance of proven reliability over empty assurances, making it an inspirational tale among animal stories with moral lessons.

Self-sufficiency
practicality
wasps
partridges
The Lion in a Farmyard

The Lion in a Farmyard

In this entertaining moral story, a Farmer foolishly attempts to capture a Lion by shutting him in the farmyard, only to unleash chaos as the Lion attacks his sheep and oxen. In his panic, the Farmer releases the dangerous creature, lamenting his losses, while his wife rightfully scolds him for his reckless decision, illustrating a well-known moral lesson about the consequences of underestimating danger. This easy small story with moral serves as a cautionary tale for class 7 students about the importance of using wisdom when dealing with threats.

Consequences of actions
Fear and danger
lion
farmer
The Penitent Elector

The Penitent Elector

In "The Penitent Elector," a Sovereign Elector experiences a life-changing moment of remorse upon learning of a deceased member's contributions, only to realize he had previously voted against that individual. This engaging moral tale highlights the importance of reflection and accountability, leading the elector to renounce his political influence and learn to read. A timeless moral story, it serves as a reminder of the impact our decisions can have on others, making it a valuable lesson for kids and adults alike.

remorse
personal growth
sovereign elector
deceased member

Other names for this story

"Philanthropist's Tear, Angel's Lament, The Rainmaker's Gift, Blessings for Farmers, A Vote for Change, Benevolent Harvest, Tears of Hope, The Farmer's Advocate"

Did You Know?

This story highlights the irony of a well-intentioned philanthropist who, despite his grand ambitions and self-perception as a benefactor, fails to grasp the deeper, spiritual implications of true generosity, as symbolized by the angel's tears. The contrast between his materialistic solutions and the angel's sorrow underscores the theme of superficial charity versus genuine compassion.

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 2
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
Philanthropy
Misguided intentions
Natures impact
Characters
great philanthropist
angel
farmer
Setting
railway station
Heaven
farmland

Share this Story