The Gnat and the Bull
Based on a fable by Aesop · Adapted for children by YouAndWorld
A tiny gnat landed on the horn of a large bull resting in a meadow.
The gnat sat there for a long time, admiring the view and imagining that the bull must be struggling beneath his weight.
At last, the gnat prepared to leave.
— I am going now, — he announced. — I hope you are relieved. My weight must have been a heavy burden for you.
The bull slowly raised his head.
— Were you sitting on my horn? — he asked. — I did not notice when you arrived, and I will not notice when you leave.
The surprised gnat flew away quietly. He had believed that everything he did was important to the bull, but the great animal had been peacefully eating grass without thinking about him at all.
The gnat learned that confidence is good, but thinking we are the center of everyone's attention can make us foolish.
Moral of the Story
Do not imagine that everyone is always thinking about you.
Questions to Discuss
- Where did the gnat land?
- What did he imagine about his weight?
- What did the bull say?
- Why was the gnat surprised?
- Is confidence different from pride?
- Why should we not assume what others think?
Video
The Lion and the Boar
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