The Wolf Who Would Be a Lion

Story Summary
In this entertaining moral story, a foolish man, convinced of his own greatness, becomes a Commissioner for an exhibition of the mentally challenged and is mistakenly treated as one of the exhibits himself. As he is taken away to a glass case, he laments his ambition and wishes he had been content with his ordinary life, highlighting the best moral of the story: the dangers of overestimating oneself. This easy small story with a moral serves as a poignant reminder of the value of humility.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates that seeking recognition beyond one's true abilities can lead to embarrassment and humiliation.
Historical Context
This story draws from the tradition of satire and absurdism prevalent in 19th-century American humor, particularly in the works of authors like Mark Twain and Ambrose Bierce, who critiqued societal norms and human folly. It reflects cultural attitudes towards intelligence, identity, and the absurdity of self-importance, echoing themes found in tales of mistaken identity and irony that have roots in folklore and fables from various cultures. The specific mention of the "Interasylum Exposition of Preserved Idiots" satirizes the social attitudes towards mental health and the treatment of individuals deemed different or inferior during a time when such individuals were often marginalized.
Our Editors Opinion
This fable illustrates the dangers of self-deception and the folly of overestimating one's worth based on others' opinions. In modern life, a real-life scenario could involve a person who, after receiving excessive praise on social media, confidently pursues a leadership role in a project without the necessary skills, only to be humiliated when their lack of competence is exposed, reflecting the need for humility and self-awareness.
You May Also Like

A Treaty of Peace
In 1994, after enduring devastating wars marked by massacres, a Malagasy Philosopher proposed a morally complex treaty between China and the United States, mandating the collection and exchange of scalps from massacre victims, with financial penalties for excess scalps. This dark compromise, while providing a semblance of stability, reflects the unsettling nature of moral-based storytelling, transforming culturally significant moral stories into short moral tales that highlight the perverse intersections of peace and violence. Ultimately, this arrangement tainted the very idea of peace, offering simple lessons from stories that challenge our understanding of morality in the face of human suffering.

The Unchanged Diplomatist
In "The Unchanged Diplomatist," a Madagonian diplomat eagerly informs the King of Patagascar about his promotion from Dazie to Dandee, expecting recognition of his increased status. However, the King humorously points out that despite the higher title and pay, the diplomat remains unchanged in intellect, delivering a subtle moral about the limitations of rank and the importance of personal growth. This short bedtime story serves as a popular moral tale, highlighting that true improvement comes from within rather than from external accolades.

The Alderman and the Raccoon
In "The Alderman and the Raccoon," an Alderman at a zoo remarks on the Raccoon's tail rings, prompting the clever Raccoon to hint at the meaningful stories behind the Alderman's own reputation. Uncomfortable with the comparison, the Alderman retreats and ultimately decides to steal a camel, illustrating the simple lessons from stories that often reveal deeper truths. This short tale is part of a collection of moral stories written to provoke thought and reflection.
Other names for this story
The Foolish Commissioner, Misunderstood Greatness, The Exhibited Idiot, A Glass Case of Delusions, The Misguided Aspiration, From Wolf to Fool, The Preserved Pretender, The Glass Case Chronicles
Did You Know?
This story humorously critiques the absurdity of self-importance and the dangers of blind belief in one’s own greatness, illustrating how delusions of grandeur can lead to embarrassing situations. The character's mistaken identity as an exhibit highlights society's tendency to judge individuals based on superficial traits rather than their true value.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.