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
A Harmless Visitor
At a meeting of the Golden League of Mystery, a woman was discovered taking notes and questioned about her presence. She initially claimed to be there for her own pleasure and instruction but revealed she was an officer of the Women's Press Association, leading to her acceptance and an apology from the organization. This entertaining moral story reflects the importance of honesty and the value of knowledge, making it a fitting tale for young readers seeking moral lessons.
The Crab and his Son
In "The Crab and his Son," a father crab criticizes his son for his ungraceful sidelong gait, prompting the son to point out his father's similar flaw. This exchange reveals the hypocrisy in the father's advice and serves as a valuable lesson from moral stories, emphasizing that one should lead by example. This short tale encapsulates the essence of educational moral stories, teaching readers the importance of self-reflection and consistency in behavior.
Three of a Kind
In "Three of a Kind," an inspirational story with a moral, a lawyer driven by a sense of justice defends a burglar who openly admits to having two accomplices—one for protection during the crime and another for legal defense. The lawyer, impressed by the burglar's honesty, ultimately decides to withdraw from the case upon discovering his client's lack of financial means, highlighting themes of integrity and moral choice in this culturally significant tale.
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.