The Hare and the Hound
Story Summary
In the well-known moral story "The Hare and the Hound," a hound chases a hare but eventually gives up, prompting a goat-herd to mock him for losing the race. The hound explains that while he was only running for a dinner, the hare was running for his life, illustrating the difference in their motivations. This quick moral story serves as a classic example of fable stories with moral lessons, perfect for childhood stories with moral teachings.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that motivation can greatly influence the outcome of a challenge.
Historical Context
This fable, attributed to Aesop, highlights the theme of motivation and survival, illustrating how a creature's instinctual drive can surpass mere desire. Originating in ancient Greece, Aesop's fables have been retold across cultures, often conveying moral lessons through anthropomorphized animals. This particular story emphasizes the concept that the stakes of one's effort determine the intensity of their pursuit, a lesson that resonates in various cultural contexts throughout history.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable highlights the difference between motivation and survival, illustrating how stakes can change the intensity of effort. In modern life, consider a student preparing for a crucial exam versus someone studying for a less significant test; the former's higher stakes drive them to work harder and persevere, akin to the hare fleeing for its life while the hound runs for mere sustenance.
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Other names for this story
Hare's Escape, Hound's Pursuit, Life vs. Dinner, The Chase of Survival, Hare's Speed, Hound's Dilemma, Run for Life, The Relentless Chase
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of motivation and the differing stakes that drive individuals in a competition; while the hound runs for a meal, the hare's instinct for survival propels him to greater efforts, illustrating how the intensity of one's motivation can determine the outcome of a challenge.
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