The North Wind and the Sun

One day, the North Wind and the Sun began arguing about which of them was stronger.

The North Wind blew proudly across the sky.

— I can bend tall trees, move heavy clouds, and make waves rise on the sea, — he said. — Surely I am stronger than you.

The Sun shone calmly and replied:

— Strength is not always shown by force.

While they were speaking, they noticed a traveler walking along a country road.

The traveler wore a thick coat wrapped tightly around his body.

The North Wind had an idea.

— Let us have a contest, — he said. — Whoever can make that traveler remove his coat will be called the stronger one.

The Sun agreed.

The North Wind went first.

He rushed toward the traveler and blew with all his power.

Cold air swept across the road, and dust flew into the sky.

The traveler shivered and pulled his coat more tightly around himself.

The North Wind blew harder.

Branches shook, leaves flew through the air, and the traveler could barely continue walking.

But the stronger the wind became, the more firmly the traveler held his coat.

At last, the exhausted North Wind stopped.

— Now it is your turn, — he said to the Sun.

The Sun appeared from behind the clouds and began shining gently.

The cold air became warmer.

The traveler relaxed his grip on the coat and continued walking.

The Sun shone a little more brightly.

Soon, the traveler became warm.

He unbuttoned his coat, took it off, and carried it over his arm.

The Sun looked at the North Wind and said:

— Gentleness and warmth can sometimes achieve what force cannot.

The North Wind understood that true strength does not always mean pushing harder.