Aesop's Fables - Volume 36: The Farmer, the Cranes, and the Stork
In a quaint countryside, a group of cranes, known for their repeat offences, plotted to rob a farmer's fish-ponds. This time, they weren't alone - a stork, who prided himself on his virtuous nature, joined their ranks.
The cranes, having no defenses, were swiftly apprehended. The stork, however, insisted that he was not a thief by nature. He claimed many other virtues, from his piety towards his parents to his selfless deeds, in an attempt to avoid punishment.
Yet, the farmer, considering the stork's association with thieves, decided to mete out justice. The stork was given the same punishment as the cranes, a stark reminder that guilt by association can lead to consequences.
This fable serves as a moral lesson that we are judged by the company we keep, and therefore, one should choose friends wisely. By associating with those who break rules or do wrong, one risks harming their reputation and facing unfair punishments.
The story of the stork and the cranes teaches us to be cautious in our friendships and highlights the potential pitfalls of being around dishonest people. It serves as a timeless reminder to reflect on the company we keep and the impact it may have on our lives.
[1] Source: Aesop's Fables, The Farmer and the Cranes
- Despite his claim of piety and selfless deeds, the stork, who was associated with thieves, was punished along with the cranes, demonstrating that our associations can negatively impact our standing.
- By laying the blame unfairly on the stork, the cranes' association with dishonest birds not only resulted in their own punishment but also served as a poignant reminder to the reader of the importance of choosing companions wisely.
