A parable is a succinct, didactic story, in prose or verse, that illustrates one or more instructive lessons or principles. It differs from a fable in that fables employ animals, plants, inanimate objects, or forces of nature as characters, whereas parables have human characters.
The office hummed with morning activity as employees began their day. Unbeknownst to them, a tiger sought refuge in the washroom, unnoticed for four days. It went unnoticed until it seized and ate the Assistant General Manager, then the General Manager and Vice President. When it captured the tea boy, Chhotu, the office was thrown into chaos. Employees found the tiger and saved Chhotu, highlighting the overlooked importance of every role in the workplace.
Dr. Lucas, a renowned surgeon, encountered a surprising situation when Mr. Ahmed sought urgent medical help for his wife. Despite assuming it was the same wife, it turned out to be Mr. Ahmed's second wife. This story emphasizes the dangers of assumptions and offers valuable lessons: verify before acting, communicate clearly, stay open-minded, and avoid overconfidence. It serves as a reminder to actively ask questions, listen, and reflect to avoid assumptions.
Banwarilal's samosa business serves as a parable for economic downturns, highlighting the impact of greed and poor decision-making. His son's fear-driven cost-cutting measures nearly led to the business's collapse during a recession. Returning to ethical practices, Banwarilal revived his business, illustrating the importance of quality and ethics for sustainable success. This story emphasizes the need for responsible and far-sighted economic practices to prevent future crises.
Mary, a Dublin bar owner who offers "drink now, pay later" scheme, sees her sales boom, leading her local bank to increase her borrowing limit. The bank transforms these customer loans into securities, selling them to unaware investors. This leads to massive profits until the bank demands payment, resulting in Mary's bankruptcy and subsequent closure of the bar. The securities devalue, freezing economic activity and leading to job losses. Despite the economic struggles, the bank, brokers and executives are bailed out by the government, funded by non-drinkers' taxes. The story illustrates similarities with the 2007-08 economic crisis.
The Taoist parable "The Empty Boat" serves as a lesson about finding peace within oneself. The story tells of a man who encounters an empty boat on a river and, rather than growing angry, he simply navigates past it, symbolizing the dismissal of pointless anger. The fable communicates the importance of inner peace and self-realization, reminding us not to attach ego and emotions to external circumstances. The message advises detachment from attachments, expectations, and judgments to live peacefully and joyfully, emphasizing the need for solitude for mental well-being and clarity.
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