The Taken Hand
Story Summary
In the humorous short story "The Taken Hand," a successful businessman seeks to shake hands with a thief, who arrogantly refuses. Following a philosopher's advice, the businessman cleverly leaves his hand in a neighbor's pocket, leading the greedy thief to take it, illustrating a clever moral about strategy and deception. This tale is a delightful addition to the collection of popular moral stories and folklore, showcasing the wit often found in short moral stories with pictures.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that sometimes, in order to achieve one's goals, one must employ cleverness and cunning rather than straightforward approaches.
Historical Context
This story draws from the rich tradition of fables and allegorical tales found in various cultures, often emphasizing the interplay between morality, cunning, and social dynamics. Its elements echo themes present in Aesop's Fables and other similar narratives, where characters represent broader human traits, such as greed and deception, illustrating the consequences of their actions through clever, often humorous, scenarios. The tale serves as a critique of both the business world and criminality, highlighting the absurdity that can arise when societal roles are subverted.
Our Editors Opinion
This story illustrates the dangers of manipulation and deceit in modern business and personal relationships, where trust is often sacrificed for personal gain. In a real-life scenario, a corporate executive might promise transparency and collaboration to gain an employee's trust, only to later exploit that trust for unethical gain, demonstrating that genuine connection is invaluable and cannot be taken for granted.
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Other names for this story
"Hand in Shadows", "The Thief's Choice", "Strange Exchange", "The Business of Hands", "A Hand for a Hand", "The Nightly Heist", "Deceptive Grasp", "Philosopher's Trick"
Did You Know?
This story explores themes of deception and the blurred lines between morality and ambition, illustrating how one's desires can lead to unexpected consequences, particularly when manipulation is involved. The twist emphasizes the absurdity of seeking connection through dishonest means, highlighting the folly in trying to win over someone who thrives on deceit.
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