The Oxen and the Wheels: Aesop’s Fable

The Story of "The Oxen and the Wheels"
A pair of Oxen were drawing a heavily loaded wagon along a miry country road. They had to use all their strength to pull the wagon, but they did not complain.
The Wheels of the wagon were of a different sort. Though the task they had to do was very light compared with that of the Oxen, they creaked and groaned at every turn. The poor Oxen, pulling with all their might to draw the wagon through the deep mud, had their ears filled with the loud complaining of the Wheels. And this, you may well know, made their work so much the harder to endure.
"Silence!" the Oxen cried at last, out of patience. "What have you Wheels to complain about so loudly? We are drawing all the weight, not you, and we are keeping still about it besides."
They complain most who suffer least.
The Story of "The Oxen and the Wheels"
- Aesop’s Fable -

The Moral Lesson of "The Oxen and the Wheels" by Aesop
"The Oxen and the Wheels" is one of Aesop's fables that conveys a powerful moral lesson. In this story, a pair of oxen are tasked with pulling a heavily loaded wagon along a muddy road. Despite their strenuous effort, they remain silent and focused on their work. In contrast, the wheels of the wagon, which bear little of the burden, creak and groan incessantly. Frustrated, the oxen eventually reprimand the wheels, pointing out the disparity between the load they carry and the noise they make.
1. The Importance of Quiet Diligence
The primary lesson of the story revolves around the value of quiet diligence. The oxen, who perform the bulk of the work, do so without complaint. They embody the virtues of perseverance, resilience, and humility. Their silence and determination serve as a reminder that those who truly contribute often do so without seeking attention or recognition.
2. Avoiding Empty Complaints in "The Oxen and the Wheels"
The wheels symbolize individuals or groups who complain loudly about minor inconveniences or responsibilities. Despite contributing little to the overall task, they seek to draw attention to themselves through their constant noise.
The story encourages us to recognize and avoid the tendency to grumble about minor issues, especially when others around us are shouldering more significant burdens. Empty complaints, as seen in "The Oxen and the Wheels," not only serve no productive purpose but also add unnecessary stress and distraction to those who are working hard.
3. Understanding the True Load
Another key takeaway from the fable is the importance of understanding the true load that others carry. The oxen's outburst at the wheels highlights the frustration of those who work tirelessly without recognition. It teaches us to be mindful of the efforts of others and to appreciate the hard work that often goes unnoticed. By acknowledging the silent labor of others, we can foster a more supportive and empathetic community.
4. The Value of Actions Over Words in "The Oxen and the Wheel"
Finally, "The Oxen and the Wheels" emphasizes that actions speak louder than words. The oxen’s actions—pulling the heavy load—are far more significant than the wheels’ noisy complaints. In life, it is our deeds, not our words, that ultimately define us. The story encourages us to focus on meaningful actions rather than empty talk.
Conclusion
Aesop's fable "The Oxen and the Wheels" offers timeless wisdom on the virtues of hard work, humility, and understanding. It challenges us to reflect on our own behavior: Are we like the oxen, quietly persevering in our tasks, or like the wheels, complaining loudly while contributing little? The moral lesson is clear—true value lies in diligent, uncomplaining effort, and we should strive to recognize and appreciate the hard work of others around us.