Lesson collection
Prudence
Stories about caution, preparation and making measured choices.
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
A liar will not be believed, even when he speaks the truth.
The Ant and the Grasshopper
It is best to prepare for the days of necessity.
The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
Appearances can be deceiving, and those who act with malice often hide behind a facade of innocence.
The City Mouse and the Country Mouse
Better a simple meal in peace than a feast in constant fear.
The Milkmaid and Her Pail
Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.
The Fisherman and the Little Fish
A small gain today is better than the promise of a big one tomorrow.
The Wolf and the Crane
Expect no reward for serving the wicked.
The Fox and the Goat
Look before you leap, and always consider the consequences of your actions before following the advice of others.
The Sick Lion
Be wise enough to learn from the mistakes of others before they become your own.
The Eagle and the Beetle
Even the smallest and weakest can find a way to humble the mighty.
The Farmer and the Stork
You are judged by the company you keep.
The Frogs Desiring a King
Be careful what you wish for, as the change you seek may bring more trouble than the peace you currently enjoy.
The Lion, the Fox, and the Ass
It is wise to learn from the misfortunes of others.
The Two Goats
It is better to yield than to come to misfortune through stubbornness.
The Donkey and the Load of Sponges
Do not seek to evade your duties through deception, for the consequences may be far heavier than the original burden.
The Trumpeter Taken Prisoner
He who incites others to strife is just as guilty as those who actually fight.
The Eagle and the Arrow
We often provide our enemies with the means for our own destruction.
The Cat and the Mice
Do not be deceived by appearances, for wisdom lies in recognizing the trickster before the trap is sprung.
The Bee and Jupiter
Be careful what you wish for, as selfishness often brings about its own undoing.
The Hen and the Swallow
Experience is the best teacher, and one should not claim wisdom in matters they have not truly understood.
The Trees and the Axe
He who gives others the means to harm him must not complain when he suffers the consequences.
The Kid and the Wolf
Do not be deceived by the hollow words of those who seek to do you harm.
The Fox and the Sick Lion
Wise people learn from the misfortunes of others.
The Lion and the Dolphin
Do not promise what you cannot perform, for nature dictates our limits.
The Farmer and the Snake
Kindness is wasted on the wicked, for malice remains in their nature regardless of how they are treated.
The Shepherd and the Sea
Do not trust the calm appearance of things that have shown themselves to be treacherous.
The Horse, Hunter, and Stag
He who seeks revenge for a small injury often pays a much higher price with his own freedom.
The Frogs and the Sun
Be content with your own nature, for trying to be what you are not often leads to disaster.
The Spendthrift and the Swallow
One swallow does not make a summer, nor does a single sign of good fortune guarantee a lifetime of prosperity.
The Fisherman Piping
Things done out of season lose their charm and effectiveness.
The Fox and the Bramble
Do not lean upon that which offers support only to pierce you in return.
The Horse and the Ass
A little help from a friend can prevent a great tragedy.
The Astronomer
It is foolish to ignore the immediate realities of life while obsessing over distant, abstract possibilities.
The Crow and the Snake
Cunning can often overcome strength when force alone is insufficient.
The Two Pots
Know your own strength and choose your company wisely to avoid unnecessary ruin.
The Eagle, the Cat, and the Sow
Beware of those who carry tales, for their honeyed words often hide a web of deceit.