Today, we are going to share a classic story from Aesop’s Fables – The Cicada and the Ant. It is a fable about hard work and laziness, foresight and short-sightedness. It tells us an important truth through a vivid plot: only by saving for a rainy day can we cope with difficulties with ease.
Chapter 1: The Busy Scene of Autumn
Autumn is here, and nature begins to prepare for the coming winter. Many animals are busy storing up their food to make sure they can get through the cold season peacefully.
In this meadow, the busiest ones are the ants. They work in groups to find grass seeds from the grass and drag this precious food back to their nests. Although the work is hard, the ants are energized because they know that only by working hard to stock up on food now can they be clothed and fed in the winter.
Meanwhile, the cicada leads a completely different life. All summer long, it has been singing in the sunshine and enjoying its leisure time. When it saw the ants sweating and carrying their food, the cicada couldn’t help laughing at them: “You fools! Winter is still early, why do you have to work so hard? See how comfortable I am, singing in summer and still singing in fall, that’s the true meaning of life!”
However, the ants paid no attention to the cicadas’ mockery, but continued to bury their heads in the sand and focus on their tasks.
Chapter 2: The Crisis of the Coming Winter
Time flew by, the autumn wind gradually became harsh, and the leaves of the trees almost fell off. At this time, the cicada finally realized the seriousness of the problem–it had neither stored any food nor a warm shelter. Shivering from hunger and cold, it can no longer sing as elegantly as before.
In desperation, the cicada summoned up the courage to fly to the door of the ants’ house and shamefully apologized to them, “I’m sorry, I realize now how stupid I was. I only cared about the pleasure in front of me, but did not plan for the future. Now that I have no home and nothing to eat, I’m afraid I won’t be able to survive this winter.”
The ants looked at the cicada’s pitiful appearance and felt sympathetic, but there was nothing they could do to help. “We’re sorry too,” sighed one ant, ”we have just enough food for ourselves to survive the winter, we really can’t spare any for you. Perhaps you could go and look in the great forest, where there may still be company for you.”
Chapter 3: A Tragic End
After hearing the ant’s words, the cicada could only pull itself together and fly in the direction of the forest. However, the cold wind was howling, blowing it to the east and west, and it could not stabilize its body at all. Large snowflakes fell from the sky, covering the earth and making the cicada’s situation even more difficult.
Eventually, the cicada used up its last ounce of strength and fell from mid-air to the ground, no longer able to move. Not long after, the thick snow buried it completely, ending its short and regrettable life.
Chapter 4: The Inspiration Behind the Story
The story of “The Cicada and the Ant” is simple but contains a profound philosophy. It reminds us that if people do not have a long-term plan, they will face trouble close at hand. Just like the cicada, if it only pursues immediate comfort and enjoyment without thinking about the future, it will easily fall into trouble or even extinction when difficulties come.
On the contrary, the behavior of ants sets a good example for us. They know the importance of saving for a rainy day, and they begin to stockpile food when the weather is still warm, so that they are fully prepared for the cold winter ahead. It is because of this proactive attitude that ants are able to survive in harsh environments.
Words to Children
Dear children, through this story, we can learn the following points:
- Learn to plan for the future
In life, we can’t just think about the things in front of us, but also plan for the future. For example, learning new knowledge, developing skills, or saving money for a rainy day. - Hard work is the cornerstone of success
Ants make it through the winter safely because of their hard work. Similarly, we need to be practical in life and accomplish our goals one step at a time instead of always thinking of shortcuts or avoiding responsibilities. - Do not crave for momentary comfort
The tragedy of the cicada stems from its laziness and short-sightedness. If we always indulge in immediate comfort and ignore potential risks, we will pay for it sooner or later. - Helping others needs to be done according to one’s ability
Although the ants failed to help the cicadas directly, they frankly explained their difficulties. This tells us that while it is important to help others, we need to decide according to our own ability and not force ourselves.
Summary
The Cicada and the Ants is not only an interesting story, but also a vivid life lesson. It teaches us how to correctly look at immediate interests and long-term goals, and how to create a better future through hard work and wisdom. I hope every reader can learn from it and be a person with vision and action!
Remember the saying, “Be prepared.” Only by preparing in advance can we stand firm in the storm and meet every unknown challenge!
