an Aesop’s fable

A Traveler had embarked on a journey, venturing to a distant part of the country. To aid him in his expedition, he had hired an Ass, a strong and sturdy creature capable of carrying both him and his belongings. The owner of the Ass accompanied the Traveler, walking beside him to ensure the Ass stayed on track and to guide them along the unfamiliar roads.

As their path unfolded, they found themselves traversing a vast and barren plain, devoid of any foliage or shelter. The relentless rays of the Sun beat down with unyielding intensity, causing the heat to become almost unbearable. The Traveler, feeling exhausted and drained from the stifling heat, finally decided to take a much-needed rest.

With no shade in sight, the Traveler sought refuge under the Ass, positioning himself in the small oasis of shadow created by its presence. Grateful for the respite, he found solace in the coolness provided by the Ass’s silhouette.

However, the scorching heat had also affected the Driver, who had been tirelessly walking beside the Traveler all this way. To his dismay, he too longed for a moment of respite and the relief of the Ass’s shaded sanctuary. Frustration and exhaustion slowly devoured his patience, leading him to start quarrelling with the Traveler. He insisted that the Traveler had only hired the Ass itself and not the shade it cast.

As tension mounted and tempers flared, their quarrel escalated into a physical altercation. Their tumultuous battle of words and fists raged on, consuming their attention entirely. Oblivious to their surroundings, they failed to notice the Ass taking advantage of their distraction. Seizing the opportunity, the Ass, startled by the commotion, broke free and galloped away into the distance.

It was in this moment of strife that both the Traveler and the Driver realized the error of their ways. In their quest to possess the shadow cast by the Ass, they had lost sight of the true essence of their journey. They had forgotten that the purpose of their partnership was not to bicker over trivialities but to reach their destination together.

So often in life, we find ourselves embroiled in disagreements, losing sight of what truly matters. In pursuing the superficial and insignificant, we risk squandering the very substance of what we set out to achieve. This fable serves as a poignant reminder that when we quarrel over shadows, we run the risk of losing the substantial and meaningful aspects of life.