The Bundle of Sticks

An elderly father lived with his children on a small farm.

The children were strong and hardworking, but they often argued with one another.

They disagreed about their chores, their tools, and even the smallest household matters.

Their father repeatedly asked them to stop fighting.

— A family should support one another, — he told them. — You will accomplish more together than apart.

But the children continued quarrelling.

One day, the father gathered several wooden sticks and tied them tightly into a bundle.

He called his children and placed the bundle before them.

— Each of you should try to break these sticks, — he said.

The oldest child picked up the bundle and pushed against it with all his strength.

The bundle bent slightly, but it did not break.

The second child tried next.

She pulled, twisted, and pressed the sticks, but she could not break them either.

One after another, all the children tried.

None of them succeeded.

The father then untied the bundle and handed one stick to each child.

— Now try to break them, — he said.

Each child easily snapped the single stick.

The father looked at them and explained:

— When the sticks were tied together, they were strong. When they were separated, they were easily broken.

The children became quiet.

— The same is true for our family, — the father continued. — When you support one another and remain united, difficulties will not easily defeat you. But when you argue and stand alone, each of you becomes weaker.

The children finally understood their father's lesson.

From that day forward, they tried to solve disagreements calmly, share their work, and help one another.

Their family became stronger because they learned to act together.