Two Politicians
Story Summary
In "Two Politicians," a short tale with moral undertones, two politicians reflect on the elusive nature of gratitude in public service. One yearns for citizen appreciation, while the other cynically observes that such recognition can only be achieved by leaving politics. Ultimately, they share a moment of understanding and decide to be content with their positions, humorously swearing to accept their access to public funds, illustrating the moral lesson found in many famous fables.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that true fulfillment in public service may come from selflessness rather than seeking external validation or rewards.
Historical Context
This story reflects themes common in political satire and moral commentary, often seen in literature from the Enlightenment and beyond, where the integrity of public service is juxtaposed with the self-interest of politicians. It echoes the sentiments found in works like Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" and George Orwell's "Animal Farm," highlighting the disillusionment with political systems and the stark contrast between idealism and reality. Retellings and adaptations of such themes frequently appear in modern storytelling, demonstrating the enduring relevance of the struggle for genuine public service amidst political corruption.
Our Editors Opinion
This story reflects the enduring struggle between genuine public service and the often self-serving nature of politics today, where many leaders prioritize personal gain over the common good. A modern scenario could involve a local politician who, despite facing pressure to engage in corrupt practices to secure funding for a community project, chooses to uphold integrity and transparency, ultimately earning the trust and gratitude of the constituents they serve.
You May Also Like
The Seaside Travelers
In "The Seaside Travelers," a group of travelers, excited by what they believe to be a large ship approaching the harbor, climbs a cliff to witness the event. Their anticipation turns to disappointment when they realize it is merely a small boat carrying a load of sticks, highlighting the theme found in many entertaining moral stories: our expectations often exceed the reality of a situation. This classic tale serves as a reminder, akin to famous fables with moral lessons, that our mere anticipations of life can sometimes outrun its actual experiences.
The Hawk and the Nightingale
In the classic moral story "The Hawk and the Nightingale," a Hawk captures a Nightingale and dismisses his pleas for freedom, arguing that he would be foolish to forgo an easy meal for the uncertainty of pursuing larger prey. This short moral story illustrates the wisdom of valuing what is readily available rather than chasing after uncertain prospects. As with many small moral stories, it teaches a timeless lesson about the dangers of greed and the importance of appreciating the present.
The Man the Horse the Ox and the Dog
In "The Man the Horse the Ox and the Dog," a heartwarming tale from classic moral stories, a horse, ox, and dog find refuge from the cold with a kind man who provides them food and warmth. In gratitude, they divide the man's life span among themselves, each infusing their portion with attributes that reflect human nature at different stages, offering young readers valuable lessons about the impetuousness of youth, the industriousness of middle age, and the irritable nature of old age. This unique moral story serves as an entertaining and educational reminder of how our characteristics shape our lives.
Other names for this story
Gratitude in Politics, The Cost of Service, Politicians and Their Rewards, A Pact of Contentment, The Price of Public Service, Politics and Gratitude, Two Leaders, One Choice, The Burden of Politics
Did You Know?
This story satirically highlights the disillusionment with political motivations, suggesting that genuine gratitude from citizens often eludes those who remain in power, thus provoking a reflection on the true nature of public service and its rewards. The moment of shared understanding between the politicians underscores the irony of their situation, where the pursuit of gratitude becomes a fruitless endeavor amidst the realities of political life.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.