The Legislator and the Citizen
Story Summary
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.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that integrity cannot be compromised, and one who has engaged in corruption is unworthy of trust and support.
Historical Context
This story reflects the satirical tradition of American political humor, particularly in the early 20th century, when corruption and graft were prevalent in government. It draws on the archetype of the flawed politician, reminiscent of the works of Mark Twain and other writers who critiqued the moral failings of public officials. The dialogue showcases the tension between respectability and hypocrisy, highlighting the absurdity of political appointments and the often murky ethics of public service.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the persistent nature of corruption and the moral complexities of influence in modern life, where ethical boundaries are often blurred in pursuit of power and personal gain. A real-life scenario reflecting this moral could involve a business executive who, despite a history of unethical practices, seeks a recommendation from a respected industry leader for a lucrative position, only to have the leader question the integrity of the request and ultimately expose the questionable values behind such appointments.
You May Also Like
The Bear and the Fox
In the short fable "The Bear and the Fox," a boastful Bear claims to be the most philanthropic animal, asserting he respects humans so greatly that he won't even touch their dead bodies. The clever Fox counters this claim, suggesting it would be far more virtuous for the Bear to eat the dead rather than prey on the living. This well-known moral story highlights the true nature of philanthropy in a humorous and thought-provoking manner.
His Fly-Speck Majesty
In "His Fly-Speck Majesty," a Distinguished Advocate of Republican Institutions eagerly awaits the arrival of the King of the Fly-Speck Islands while wading in the ocean, despite having previously denounced kings as blood-smeared oppressors in a public speech. When questioned by the Spectator about his apparent hypocrisy, he dismisses the concerns as irrelevant, claiming to have spoken of kings in the abstract. This small moral story echoes famous fables with moral lessons, highlighting the complexities of ideals versus personal ambitions in the pursuit of uplifting narratives.
The Cobbler Turned Doctor
In this short story with moral lessons, a cobbler, driven by poverty, falsely claims to be a doctor and sells a fake antidote, gaining fame through exaggerated claims. When he falls ill, the town's governor tests his abilities by pretending to poison him, prompting the cobbler to admit his lack of medical knowledge. The governor then exposes the townspeople's folly in trusting an unqualified man with their health, serving as a cautionary tale for kids about the importance of discernment in real-life stories with moral lessons.
Other names for this story
Political Plea, Corruption and Influence, The Price of Influence, A Letter of Integrity, From Senate to Seafood, The Citizen's Dilemma, Bribes and Recommendations, The Honest Exchange
Did You Know?
This story humorously critiques political corruption and the often transactional nature of relationships in governance, revealing how even those who claim to be honorable can be drawn into dubious exchanges when ambition is at stake.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.