Aesop
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Greece

The Bear and The Fox

A proud Bear boasted about his kindness, claiming he wouldn't harm a dead man, but a clever Fox questioned his treatment of the living.
Pride
Kindness
Wisdom
Aesop's Fables - The Bear and The Fox
Audio available for B1 version

Once upon a time, in a vast and serene forest, there lived a hefty and proud Bear and a clever little Fox.

One sunny day, Bear stood tall in the forest, boasting loudly to anyone who would listen. "I am the kindest Bear in all the land," he claimed, "So gentle, that I would never harm a man, even if he were already dead!"

The little Fox, who had been snoozing under a nearby tree, opened one eye and listened to the Bear's claim. She saw Bear thumping his chest, his voice echoing through the quiet forest. Slowly, Fox got up and approached the Bear.

"Oh, Bear!" said Fox, with a little yawn. "You say you would not harm a dead man, and I believe you, but don't you think it would be kinder if you didn't harm the living ones as well?"

Bear looked at the Fox, stunned and speechless. And with that, Fox just winked and trotted off, leaving Bear standing in the forest, thinking about what she had said.

Once upon a time, in this really chill forest that was as peaceful as a spa day, there was this mondo Bear and this cheeky little Fox. You know, the type of characters that could get their own TV show?

So, one absolutely fabulous day, the sun beaming like a disco ball, Bear was standing like a rockstar, microphone and all. "Listen up, listen up! I am THE kindest Bear this side of the enchanted forest. So kind, in fact, I wouldn't so much as nibble on a human—even if they were already pushing up daisies!"

Meanwhile, Fox was lounging under a tree, catching some zzz's. Think of it as recharging her "sarcasm batteries." She cracked open one eye, like she was turning on her sass radar, and caught Bear's jam session.

Slowly, Fox got up and sauntered over like she was about to drop a stand-up routine. "Well, well, well, if it isn't Mr. I-Won't-Eat-A-Dead-Man. That's all grand and groovy, but ever thought about not nibbling on the ones who are, you know, still updating their social media?"

Bear looked at Fox like someone just told him that honey was going out of fashion. Utterly gobsmacked! Fox gave a sly wink, a move so smooth it could have its own jazz number, and then pranced away like she'd just dropped the mic.

Bear was left there, looking like someone just paused his video. And you know what? He actually started pondering what Fox said. "Hmmm, not eating the living ones, eh? Maybe I could be the star of 'Bear: The Vegetarian Years.'"

And so, our forest kept its cool, characters kept their quirks, and Bear? Well, let's just say he considered trading his honey pot for a salad bowl.

In the heart of a green forest band,
A hefty Bear, so proud and grand,
Called to creatures, both near and far,
“I’m the kindest, no matter who you are.”

"I won't harm a soul," he'd proclaim with glee,
"Not those departed, as all can see.
Even a man, if he's taken his last leap,
I swear, my kindness runs so deep."

Nearby, under a tree's embrace,
A clever Fox watched, with a smirk on her face.
Hearing Bear's words, she began to muse,
And thought of some wisdom she could use.

She yawned, then to the Bear she sped,
"With all due respect to the dead,
Wouldn't it be a kinder sign,
To spare the ones who're still alive?"

Bear paused, his pride suddenly slack,
Realizing what insight he did lack.
With a twinkle in her eye and a sly foray,
Fox left Bear to ponder her wise display.

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Reflection Questions

  1. Why do you think the Bear was boasting about his kindness to everyone in the forest?
  2. How did the Fox respond to the Bear's claim about not harming a dead man?
  3. Can you think of a time when you had to speak up like the Fox did?
  4. What does this story teach us about the importance of thinking before we speak?
  5. How can we use the lesson from this story in our own lives to be kinder and more thoughtful?

Fable Quotes

Pride in words means little without actions to match.
Kindness is not selective; it embraces both the living and the dead.
True wisdom lies in recognizing the value of kindness and humility in our interactions with others.
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