Avaricious and Envious
Story Summary
In the wisdom-packed moral story "Avaricious and Envious," two neighbors approach Jupiter, driven by their vices of greed and envy, leading to their inevitable downfall. The avaricious man wishes for a room full of gold but is tormented when his neighbor receives twice that amount, while the envious man, consumed by jealousy, wishes to lose an eye to blind his rival. This impactful tale serves as a creative moral story, illustrating how greed and envy ultimately punish those who harbor them.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The story illustrates that greed and envy ultimately lead to one's own suffering and destruction.
Historical Context
This fable reflects themes of greed and envy that are prevalent in many cultures and can be traced back to ancient moral tales, specifically those attributed to Aesop in ancient Greece. The story illustrates the consequences of allowing negative emotions to dictate one's desires, a common motif in fables aimed at imparting moral lessons, such as those found in later retellings by authors like La Fontaine in 17th-century France. These narratives serve as cautionary tales that emphasize the importance of virtue and the inherent dangers of unchecked vices.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the destructive nature of greed and envy, suggesting that the pursuit of selfish desires can lead to one's own misery. In modern life, this can be seen in how social media often fuels envy, leading individuals to prioritize appearances over genuine satisfaction; for instance, someone might go into debt to keep up with their friends' luxury lifestyles, only to find themselves unhappy and in financial trouble while their friends are also struggling behind the scenes.
You May Also Like
The Trees Under the Protection of the Gods
In "The Trees Under the Protection of the Gods," various deities select trees for their protection, favoring those that do not bear fruit to avoid the appearance of greed. Minerva advocates for the fruitful olive, leading Jupiter to impart a thought-provoking moral: true glory lies in usefulness, not superficial honor. This short and sweet moral story highlights the importance of impact over appearance, making it a compelling lesson on value and purpose.
Jupiter and the Sharecropper
In "Jupiter and the Sharecropper," a prideful sharecropper learns a valuable lesson about humility when he arrogantly attempts to control the weather for a prosperous harvest, only to fail while his neighbors thrive. This uplifting moral story illustrates the importance of trusting in Providence rather than one's own hubris, ultimately conveying that true success comes from acceptance and faith. Through this meaningful story with moral, readers are reminded of the lessons learned from stories that emphasize the value of humility and reliance on a higher power.
The Fisher and the Fished
In "The Fisher and the Fished," a fisherman catches a small fish that humorously pleads for release, arguing it cannot benefit him since the gods do not eat fish. The fish suggests that the fisherman could attain divine status for his unique catch, prompting a reflection on worth and recognition. This short bedtime story offers inspirational lessons about humility and the value of all beings in a humorous way.
Other names for this story
Greed's Bitter Reward, The Curse of Envy, Neighbors in Greed, Double Trouble: A Tale of Greed, Avarice Unleashed, Envy's Dark Turn, The Price of Desire, Vices Unveiled
Did You Know?
This story illustrates the destructive nature of greed and envy, showing how the pursuit of selfish desires can lead to one's own suffering, ultimately demonstrating that vices can create a cycle of misery rather than fulfillment.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.