The Fir Tree and the Bramble
Aesop | Greece
Proud Fir Tree belittles Bramble, boasting its value as timber, but Bramble reveals its safety and contentment over constant fear.
Once upon a time, in a big forest, there was a tall and strong tree called the Fir Tree. Near its roots, there was a small plant called the Bramble. The Fir Tree often looked down on the Bramble, thinking it was much better.
One day, the Fir Tree said in a mean voice, "You're not as useful as me. People use me to build their homes. Everyone wants me, but nobody notices you."
The Bramble, with its small, rustling leaves, listened quietly. After a moment, it replied calmly.
"You may be tall and strong," the Bramble said, "but have you ever thought about the tools humans use? They use axes and saws to cut down big trees like you. They usually ignore small plants like me."
The Fir Tree suddenly felt afraid. It had never thought about being chopped down. It had always been proud of its size and importance.
"If I were you," the Bramble added, "I would rather be small and safe than big and in danger. Being a Bramble, safe on the ground, seems much better than being a Fir Tree that might be cut down one day."
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