An Inflated Ambition
Story Summary
In "An Inflated Ambition," a corporate president enters a dry-goods shop and encounters a placard urging customers to ask for what they desire. Just as he is about to express his wishes, the shopkeeper directs a salesman to "show this gentleman the world," illustrating the irony of ambition and the moral that true fulfillment often lies beyond material wants. This easy small story with moral lessons serves as a thought-provoking tale for young readers, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s true desires.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that ambition and aspirations can lead to unexpected opportunities and expansive possibilities if one is willing to ask for what they truly desire.
Historical Context
This story reflects themes of consumerism and the pursuit of desires, common in early 20th-century America during a time of rapid industrialization and the rise of corporate power. The phrase "If You Don't See What You Want, Ask For It" echoes the ethos of the American Dream, emphasizing individual agency and the expectation that one can obtain their desires through determination and enterprise. The narrative can be seen as a modern parable, resonant with the works of authors like O. Henry, who often explored similar themes of social dynamics and the human condition in urban settings.
Our Editors Opinion
This story emphasizes the importance of initiative and communication in modern life, particularly in a world where expectations often go unvoiced. For instance, in a corporate setting, an employee might feel hesitant to suggest a new idea during a meeting; however, taking the initiative to speak up could lead to innovative solutions that benefit the entire team, just as asking for what you want can lead to unexpected opportunities.
You May Also Like
The Mole and His Mother
In "The Mole and His Mother," a blind young mole confidently claims he can see, prompting his mother to test him with grains of frankincense. When he incorrectly identifies them as pebbles, she realizes he is not only blind but has also lost his sense of smell. This captivating moral story serves as a reminder of the importance of self-awareness and the value of real-life stories with moral lessons.
The Faithful Cashier
In "The Faithful Cashier," a bank cashier who defaults on funds claims he used the money for dues to a mutual defense association that protects members under suspicion. This educational moral story highlights the lengths to which individuals might go to maintain appearances, as the association's strategy involves demonstrating a lack of community involvement to reassure the bank's directors. Ultimately, the president covers the cashier's shortage, restoring him to his position, offering a moral lesson about integrity and reputation in moral-based storytelling.
The Shepherd and the Sea
In this captivating moral story, a shepherd, lured by the calm sea, sells his flock to invest in a cargo of dates for a voyage. However, a sudden tempest forces him to discard his merchandise for survival, leaving him empty-handed. Reflecting on the sea's tranquil appearance, he wryly notes that it remains in need of dates, serving as a simple short story with a moral for young readers about the perils of chasing fleeting desires.
Other names for this story
"Chasing Dreams, Bold Aspirations, The Price of Desire, Beyond the Horizon, Ambition Unleashed, The Visionary's Quest, Asking for More, The Pursuit of Greatness"
Did You Know?
This story highlights the theme of aspiration and the pursuit of desires, suggesting that one must actively seek out what they want rather than passively waiting for it to appear, encapsulated in the shopkeeper's witty response that implies limitless possibilities.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.