Loading...
The Miser and His Gold
fable
2 min read
0 comments
0:000:00
Story Summary
A Miser hides his gold at the foot of a tree, visiting it regularly to gloat over his wealth but never using it, illustrating a classic moral lesson. When a robber steals the gold, the Miser laments its loss, only to be reminded by a neighbor that since he never utilized the treasure, he might as well simply look at the empty hole instead. This tale, one of the top 10 moral stories, teaches that wealth is worthless if not put to use.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
Wealth that is not utilized is of no real value.
Historical Context
This story echoes themes found in Aesop's Fables, particularly the moral lessons about greed and the futility of hoarding wealth without using it. It reflects cultural attitudes from ancient times, where parables served as vehicles for moral education, emphasizing that true value lies not in mere possession but in the practical use of resources. The narrative has been retold in various cultures, reinforcing the idea that wealth should serve a purpose rather than be hoarded in vain.
Our Editors Opinion
In modern life, the story of the Miser highlights the futility of hoarding wealth without utilizing it for meaningful purposes. A real-life scenario could involve a wealthy individual who accumulates savings and investments but never spends or shares them, only to realize that their unspent wealth does not contribute to their happiness or the well-being of others, much like the Miser's gold, which brought him no joy or benefit.
You May Also Like
The Herdsman and the Lost Bull
In this very short moral story, a herdsman vows to sacrifice a lamb to the forest deities if he discovers the thief of his lost Bull-calf. When he finds a Lion devouring the Calf, panic sets in, leading him to wish for a full-grown Bull instead, illustrating the theme of moral-based storytelling about the consequences of one's vows and the instinct for self-preservation. This inspirational short story serves as a quick read with a valuable lesson about facing fears and the weight of promises.
greed
fear
Herdsman
Bull-calf
The Lion, the Bear, and the Fox
In this entertaining moral tale, two thieves steal a piano but are unable to fairly divide it, resorting to bribing a judge to settle their dispute. When their funds run dry, an Honest Man intervenes with a small payment, winning the piano, which his daughter then uses to train for boxing, ultimately becoming a renowned pugilist. This quick read story with moral highlights the value of integrity and unexpected paths to success in real-life stories with moral lessons.
greed
justice
Two Thieves
Honest Man
The Dog Who Lost His Prey for a Shadow
In Aesop's classic moral story, "The Dog Who Lost His Prey for a Shadow," a dog foolishly drops its actual prey to chase after its reflection in the water, nearly drowning in the process. This entertaining tale serves as a cautionary lesson on the dangers of greed and the deception of appearances, making it a standout in short story collections with moral lessons for young readers. Aesop's fables remain among the top 10 moral stories, highlighting timeless truths about human nature.
greed
deception
Dog
prey
Other names for this story
The Wealth of the Miser, Gold in the Ground, The Hidden Treasure, Greed's Empty Reward, The Gold That Wasn't Spent, The Thief and the Miser, Lost Riches, The Price of Greed
Did You Know?
This story highlights the futility of hoarding wealth without putting it to practical use, emphasizing that true value lies not in mere possession but in the ability to benefit from one's resources. The Miser's loss serves as a poignant reminder that wealth is only meaningful when it is actively utilized or shared.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.