The Ant and the Grasshopper Fable That So Few People Seem To Grasp
The Ant and the Grasshopper – Aesop’s version and a my modified version.
The Ant and the Grasshopper
(Aesop’s version)
In a field one summer’s day a Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to its heart’s content. An Ant passed by, bearing along with great toil an ear of corn he was taking to the nest.
“Why not come and chat with me,” said the Grasshopper, “instead of toiling and moiling in that way?”
“I am helping to lay up food for the winter,” said the Ant, “and recommend you to do the same.”
“Why bother about winter?” said the Grasshopper; we have got plenty of food at present.” But the Ant went on its way and continued its toil.
When the winter came the Grasshopper found itself dying of hunger, while it saw the ants distributing, every day, corn and grain from the stores they had collected in the summer.
Then the Grasshopper knew…
It is best to prepare for the days of necessity.
The Ant and the Grasshopper
(Modified version)
During a warm late summer evening, a Grasshopper and his buddies were laughing and partying to their heart’s content on the front porch.
As they cracked open another beer, several Ants passed by, toiling under the strain of carrying supplies and food on their way home.
“Why not drop what you’re doing and come party with us?” asked the Grasshopper. “You’re wasting your time dragging all those supplies to your home. Lets have some fun!” “WooHoooo!”
“No thanks, we’re preparing for the possibility of food and supply shortages that might happen, given todays uncertain world” said one Ant. “I think you should do the same before it’s too late.”
“Why bother about all that?” replied the Grasshopper, snickering under its breath. The other grasshoppers laughed in a ridiculing manner. “I have plenty of food until the next time I go grocery shopping.” But the Ant kept going and continued its preparations, along with the other Ants.
One day, a series of events lead to a great shortage and scarcity of many supplies and food. Grocery store shelves were largely empty. The Grasshopper and its buddies found themselves dying of hunger, while it saw the Ants banding together with plenty of food from the preparations they had taken.
Then the Grasshopper knew…
It is best to prepare for uncertain times and shortages, because you never know if and when it might happen. But it was too late.
Today’s modern world has enabled swarms of Partying Grasshoppers.
Question: The Grasshopper is watching the Ant(s), and knows the Ants are prepared. Because the Grasshopper has not prepared, will some of the Grasshoppers try to take from the Ants when they get hungry? Maybe the Ant should be more careful not to let the Grasshopper see!
Aesop’s Fables Hardcover: The Classic Edition
(view on amzn)
