The Prophet
Story Summary
In "The Prophet," a wizard known for telling fortunes faces a moment of irony when he learns his house is being robbed, despite his ability to foresee the futures of others. As he rushes to save his belongings, a mocking neighbor questions why he couldn't predict his own misfortune, highlighting a powerful lesson about the limitations of foresight. This simple short story with moral serves as a reminder of the importance of personal awareness and growth, making it one of the best moral stories for students.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that one should not neglect their own well-being while focusing on the problems of others.
Historical Context
This story draws from the rich tradition of folklore and fables, particularly within Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures, where tales often feature wise or mystical figures whose knowledge of the future contrasts with their own personal misfortunes. It echoes similar motifs found in Aesop's Fables and the Panchatantra, highlighting the irony that those who claim to possess great wisdom or foresight may still fall victim to their own shortcomings or blind spots. Such narratives serve to impart moral lessons about humility, the limits of knowledge, and the unpredictability of life.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the irony of being able to predict others' futures while neglecting one's own reality, a lesson that resonates in today's fast-paced world where people often focus on external appearances or helping others while ignoring their personal challenges. For instance, a financial advisor may spend all their time advising clients on investments, yet fail to manage their own financial health, leading to personal financial struggles despite their expertise.
You May Also Like
The Fisherman Piping
A skilled fisherman, hoping to attract fish with his flute, finds his melodic efforts fruitless as the fish remain unresponsive. Frustrated, he casts his net without music and catches a great number of fish, which begin to leap joyfully. This short moral story highlights the irony of how the fish chose to dance only after he stopped playing, reflecting the theme often found in moral stories for class 7 about the unpredictability of behavior and the nature of desire.
The Fisher
In this short story with moral, a Fisher uses his bagpipes in an attempt to attract fish, but initially fails until he captures them in a net. Once caught, the fish leap in response to his music, leading an old fish to remark that they only dance because they are now under the Fisher's control. This tale serves as a reminder of the power dynamics in folklore and moral stories, illustrating that when one is in another's power, compliance becomes necessary.
The Goose and the Swan
In this moral story, a wealthy man keeps a Goose for food and a Swan for her beautiful singing. When the Cook mistakenly tries to kill the Swan instead of the Goose, she sings to save herself, but tragically dies from the strain of her efforts. This short story serves as a poignant lesson about the futility of sacrifice when faced with greed, making it a valuable tale for both kids and adults.
Other names for this story
Fortune's Folly, The Seer's Dilemma, The Wizard's Blind Spot, Prophecy and Plunder, A Fortune Foretold, The Marketplace Oracle, The Unseen Theft, The Hasty Revelation
Did You Know?
This story highlights the irony of being able to predict the fortunes of others while being oblivious to one's own misfortunes, emphasizing the theme of self-awareness versus external insight. It suggests that even those with great wisdom or abilities may overlook their personal challenges.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.