The Honourable Member
Story Summary
In this captivating moral tale, a member of the Legislature, who had vowed not to steal, returns home with a large part of the Capitol dome, inciting his constituents to hold an indignation meeting and consider punishment. Defending himself by claiming he never promised not to lie, he is oddly deemed an "honourable man" and elected to Congress without any pledges, showcasing the humorous yet educational nature of short moral stories.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates the idea that integrity and honesty in public service are essential, as mere compliance with legal obligations can still lead to moral corruption.
Historical Context
This story reflects the satirical tradition of political commentary prevalent in American literature, drawing on the legacy of figures like Jonathan Swift and Mark Twain, who criticized political corruption and the moral failings of public officials. The absurdity of the situation, where a legislator is rewarded despite blatant dishonesty, echoes the disillusionment with politics in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as the broader theme of the often tenuous relationship between elected officials and their constituents. Such tales serve as a reflection of societal cynicism toward governance and the complexities of political ethics.
Our Editors Opinion
This story reflects the ongoing struggle between public trust and political accountability in modern life, highlighting how elected officials can manipulate ethical boundaries for personal gain. A real-life scenario could involve a politician who, despite campaigning on a platform of transparency and integrity, engages in deceptive practices—such as misusing campaign funds—while justifying their actions with legal loopholes, ultimately eroding public trust and accountability.
You May Also Like
An Invitation
In "An Invitation," a Pious Person indulges in a feast and dreams of a world where turkeys rule, only to learn that being invited to dinner doesn't guarantee safety. He encounters the Supreme Gobbler, who ominously hints at the grim reality of their feasts, leading him to realize his fate as a meal. This humorous yet cautionary tale serves as an inspirational short story with a moral, reminding readers that appearances can be deceiving, especially in the context of short bedtime stories with moral lessons.
The Catted Anarchist
In "The Catted Anarchist," a quick moral story that intertwines humor and absurdity, an Anarchist Orator, struck by a dead cat thrown by an unknown law enforcer, decides to arrest the cat and bring it before a Magistrate. In a twist reminiscent of fable stories with moral lessons, the Magistrate humorously declares the cat guilty and appoints the Anarchist as the executioner, much to the delight of the law enforcer who instigated the chaos. This meaningful story with moral explores themes of justice, inconsistency, and the absurdity of authority.
Religions of Error
In "Religions of Error," a Christian in the Orient witnesses the violent conflict between Buddhists and Mohammedans, reflecting on the animosities that divide faiths. Despite acknowledging the brutality of religious intolerance, he smugly concludes that his own religion is the only true and benevolent one, illustrating a moral lesson for young readers about the dangers of arrogance and the need for understanding among different beliefs. This easy small story with a moral encourages students to learn from the flawed perceptions that lead to conflict.
Other names for this story
"Capitol Conundrum", "The Lying Legislator", "Promises and Politics", "Dome of Deceit", "Honour Among Thieves", "The Unpledged Politician", "A Member's Dilemma", "Feathers and Folly"
Did You Know?
This story satirizes the often blurred lines between ethics and morality in politics, highlighting how voters may overlook dishonesty if it serves their interests, suggesting that the promise to not steal is easily overshadowed by the acceptance of a politician's ability to lie.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.