The Birds, the Beasts, and the Bat – Aesop’s Fables
Once upon a time, the realm of Birds and Beasts was in turmoil. Tensions arose from the Foxes’ constant hunting of Geese. Moreover, the Beasts were infuriated by the Eagle’s regular attacks on the Hare and the Owl’s preference for Mice as dinner.
This animosity gave rise to a brutal war, where many creatures met their end. Victors from both sides celebrated their triumphs with lavish feasts.
Amidst this chaos, the Bats played a cunning game. Not wanting to commit, they floated between allegiances, siding with whoever seemed to have the upper hand.
When the dust of war settled, both Birds and Beasts were quick to condemn the Bats’ devious strategy. United in their disapproval, they banished the Bats. Now, Bats are seldom seen in daylight, taking refuge in dark corners and venturing out only under the cloak of night.
One’s cunning can sometimes lead to isolation.
What principles and lessons can be learned from the above stories?
The narrative of “The Birds, the Beasts, and the Shifty Bats” provides a profound reflection on the consequences of deception. The Bats, in their attempt to stay safe and always be on the winning side, ended up alienating both parties. Their strategic indecisiveness and lack of loyalty led to their ultimate exile. This story serves as a reminder that trying to please everyone or avoiding commitment often leads to mistrust. In life, as in this tale, sitting on the fence rarely pays off. True friendships and alliances are forged through trust, commitment, and consistency, not through duplicity and opportunism.
