MoralFables.com

The Man and the Dog

Fable
1 min read
0 comments
The Man and the Dog
0:000:00

Story Summary

In this simple short story with moral undertones, a man learns that feeding the dog that bit him a piece of bread dipped in his blood could heal his wound. However, the dog refuses, insisting that accepting the gesture would suggest improper motives for his actions, as he claims to act in harmony with the Divine Scheme of Things. This fable highlights the lessons from moral stories about the nature of intentions and the complexities of relationships in the circle of life.

Click to reveal the moral of the story

The moral of the story is that true intentions and motivations can be misunderstood, and one should not act out of a desire to conform to societal expectations or perceptions.

Historical Context

This story reflects themes found in ancient fables and moral tales, particularly those attributed to Aesop, who often used animals to convey human-like wisdom and ethical dilemmas. It showcases the interplay between human perceptions and animal instincts, echoing cultural narratives that explore the nature of innocence, guilt, and the philosophical concept of natural order. The retelling here combines humor and irony, suggesting a deeper commentary on the nature of responsibility and the motivations behind actions, resonating with similar stories from various traditions that question moral reasoning.

Our Editors Opinion

This story highlights the absurdity of justifying harmful actions with lofty rationalizations, a lesson that resonates in modern life where individuals often excuse their misdeeds by claiming they are part of a larger purpose. For example, a corporate executive might justify unethical business practices by arguing that they are necessary for the company's growth, ignoring the harmful impact on employees and consumers, much like the dog that dismisses its motives as "natural."

You May Also Like

The Two Dogs

The Two Dogs

In this concise moral story, a Hound complains to a Housedog about receiving a share of the spoils despite not hunting. The Housedog explains that it is the master's choice to teach him to rely on others, highlighting the lesson that children should not be held accountable for their parents' actions. This easy small story with moral serves as a reminder for class 7 students about fairness and responsibility.

fairness
responsibility
Man
Hound
A Saying Of Socrates

A Saying Of Socrates

In this wisdom-packed moral story, Socrates faces criticism for the size and design of his new house, as many claim it is unworthy of him. However, he wisely reflects that the house is actually too large for his few true friends, highlighting the rarity of genuine friendship amidst the many who profess to be friends. This classic moral story serves as a timeless lesson for students about the true nature of companionship, making it ideal for moral stories for class 7.

friendship
honesty
Socrates
friends
The Judge and the Rash Act

The Judge and the Rash Act

In this humorous story with a moral, a discontented judge, desperate for recognition and contemplating suicide due to his lackluster career, encounters a ghostly figure known as the "Rash Act." When the figure offers to be committed, the judge declines, insisting that it would be improper to act on such a whim while not serving as a committing magistrate. This quick moral story highlights the absurdity of rigid adherence to duty, making it a fitting addition to short story collections with moral lessons for young readers.

despair
morality
Judge
Rash Act

Other names for this story

Divine Dog Dilemma, The Healing Bread, Nature's Pact, A Bite of Wisdom, The Canine Conundrum, Harmony with Nature, The Man's Choice, Bread and Blood

Did You Know?

This story explores the theme of rationalization versus instinct, highlighting how both the man and the dog engage in complex justifications for their actions, ultimately questioning the nature of morality and the motivations behind behavior.

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
Theme
honesty
nature
morality
Characters
Man
Dog
Setting
no specific locations

Share this Story