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The Man of Principle

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The Man of Principle
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Story Summary

In "The Man of Principle," a Keeper at a zoological garden encounters a stubborn man seeking shelter from the rain beneath an ostrich, despite the imminent danger it poses. The man, embodying the essence of a moral story, insists on staying until the ostrich kicks him out, having already swallowed his umbrella, illustrating the folly of rigid principles over practical safety. This engaging moral tale serves as a simple short story with a profound lesson on the importance of adaptability in the face of risk.

Click to reveal the moral of the story

The moral of the story is that adhering rigidly to one's principles can lead to impractical and dangerous situations.

Historical Context

This story reflects themes of absurdity and the human condition, often found in the works of writers like Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear, who explored the whimsical and nonsensical aspects of life. The character of the "Man of Principle" embodies a satirical critique of rigid moralism and idealism, reminiscent of the philosophical debates of the 19th century about individualism versus practicality. Such narratives, steeped in humor and irony, have been retold in various cultures to highlight the sometimes ludicrous nature of human behavior in the face of adversity.

Our Editors Opinion

This story highlights the folly of rigid adherence to principles at the expense of practical wisdom, a lesson that resonates in today's fast-paced, often unpredictable world. For example, an employee might refuse to adapt their work methods because they are committed to a specific process, even when it leads to inefficiency and frustration for the team—risking their own job security and the overall project outcome.

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Other names for this story

"Principled Shelter, The Ostrich Dilemma, Keeper of Principles, Rainy Day Resolve, Courage Under Rain, The Umbrella Incident, Shelter from the Storm, Man vs. Nature"

Did You Know?

This story humorously highlights the conflict between idealism and practicality, as the Man of Principle prioritizes his stubborn adherence to a principle over his own safety, ultimately illustrating the absurdity of rigid convictions in the face of real-world consequences.

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Story Details

Age Group
adult
kids
children
story for class 2
story for class 3
story for class 4
story for class 5
story for class 6
story for class 7
story for class 8
Theme
principle
courage
absurdity
Characters
Keeper of the Zoological garden
Man of Principle
ostrich
female kangaroo (Saltarix Mackintoshea)
Setting
zoological garden
beneath the belly of an ostrich
pouch of a female kangaroo

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