Æsop's Fables

"The North Wind and the Sun"

     The north wind and the sun had a discussion one day as to who was stronger.  Each believed himself to be far superior to the other.  Finally they agreed to try their strength on an unsuspecting traveler.  The traveler had a thick cloak on and both the sun and the north wind agreed that whichever could strip the man of his garment would be declared the winner.  

    The north wind tried first: gathering up every ounce of strength he blew a heavy gust upon the man.  The man quckly drew his cloak tighter against the wind.  The north wind tried a second time, blowing a bitterly cold gust which swirled around the traveler picking his cloak up from beneath.  Again the man tightened his grip on the garment, and wrapped it tightly with a belt.

     Next it was the suns turn.  The sun smiled and sent a warm beam down on the traveler.  The man, noticing a change in the weather, unbound his cloak to let in the sun's warmth.  Gently the sun brightened, and the man removed his heavy cloak once he decided that it was no longer needed.

"Persuasion is better than force."