The Man and the Lightning
Story Summary
In "The Man and the Lightning," a simple short story with moral undertones, a politician on the campaign trail is overtaken by Lightning, which boasts of its impressive speed. The Man Running for Office counters that while Lightning may be swift, his endurance allows him to continue on his journey, illustrating a profound lesson about perseverance over mere speed. This short tale serves as a reminder that simple lessons from stories often highlight the value of resilience in the face of challenges.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Persistence and endurance often outweigh momentary speed and power.
Historical Context
This story explores themes of ambition and perseverance, drawing on the age-old motif of the struggle between human aspiration and the forces of nature. It echoes tales from folklore and mythology, such as the fables attributed to Aesop, which often highlight the contrast between fleeting success and enduring effort. The use of personification in the interaction between the Man and Lightning symbolizes the eternal human quest for power and recognition, often juxtaposed with the inevitability of natural or cosmic forces.
Our Editors Opinion
This story underscores the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of immediate challenges, a lesson that resonates in today's fast-paced world where instant success often overshadows sustained effort. For instance, in a competitive job market, a candidate who continuously refines their skills and networks over time may ultimately achieve career success, proving that consistent effort can outlast fleeting advantages.
You May Also Like
The Hunter and the Horseman
In this humorous story with a moral, a hunter captures a hare only to be tricked by a horseman who pretends to buy it but instead steals it and rides away. Despite the hunter's futile chase, he ultimately resigns himself to the situation and sarcastically offers the hare as a gift, highlighting the absurdity of the encounter. This very short moral story illustrates the importance of accepting one's losses with a sense of humor.
Congress and the People
In "Congress and the People," a simple short story with moral lessons, the impoverished populace laments their losses to successive Congresses, weeping for all that has been taken from them. An Angel observes their sorrow and learns that, despite their despair, they cling to their hope in heaven—something they believe cannot be stripped away. However, this hope is ultimately tested with the arrival of the Congress of 1889, echoing themes found in famous fables with moral teachings about resilience and faith.
The Aethiop
In "The Aethiop," a man naively purchases a black servant, believing that his skin color is simply dirt that can be scrubbed away. Despite his relentless efforts, the servant's complexion remains unchanged, illustrating the life-lesson that inherent traits cannot be altered by external means. This short story with moral serves as a poignant reminder that what is bred in the bone will stick to the flesh, making it a compelling addition to uplifting moral stories and fable stories with moral.
Related Collections
Other names for this story
"Electrifying Ambitions, Lightning Strikes Ambition, Race Against Thunder, The Candidate's Challenge, Fast vs. Furious Campaign, Lightning's Lesson, Power of Perseverance, Office Run Showdown"
Did You Know?
This story highlights the theme of persistence versus fleeting power, illustrating how enduring effort can outlast even the most dramatic forces, such as lightning, suggesting that true achievement often lies in resilience rather than speed or immediate impact.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.