Aesop's Fables, translated by Laura Gibbs (2002)
202. THE OAK TREE AND THE REED
Perry 70 (Aphthonius
36)
A story about a reed and an oak, urging us not to rely on strength.
A reed got into an argument with an oak tree. The oak tree marvelled at
her own strength, boasting that she could stand her own in a battle against
the winds. Meanwhile, she condemned the reed for being weak, since he
was naturally inclined to yield to every breeze. The wind then began to
blow very fiercely. The oak tree was torn up by her roots and toppled
over, while the reed was left bent but unharmed.
Those who adapt to the times will emerge unscathed.
Source:
Aesop's Fables. A new translation by Laura
Gibbs.
Oxford University Press (World's Classics): Oxford, 2002.
NOTE: New
cover, with new ISBN, published in 2008; contents of book unchanged.
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