The Travelers and the Purse: Aesop’s Fable

The Story of "The Travelers and the Purse"

Two men were traveling in company along the road when one of them picked up a well-filled purse.

"How lucky I am!" he said. "I have found a purse. Judging by its weight it must be full of gold."

"Do not say 'I have found a purse,'" said his companion. "Say rather 'we have found a purse' and 'how lucky we are.' Travelers ought to share alike the fortunes or misfortunes of the road."

"No, no," replied the other angrily. "I found it and I am going to keep it."

Just then they heard a shout of "Stop, thief!" and looking around, saw a mob of people armed with clubs coming down the road.

The man who had found the purse fell into a panic.

"We are lost if they find the purse on us," he cried.

"No, no," replied the other, "You would not say 'we' before, so now stick to your 'I'. Say 'I am lost.'"

We cannot expect any one to share our misfortunes unless we are willing to share our good fortune also.

The Story of "The Travelers and the Purse"
- Aesop's Fable -

The Moral Lesson of "The Travelers and the Purse"

"The Travelers and the Purse" is a tale by Aesop that delivers a powerful lesson about responsibility and sharing in the face of fortune and misfortune. The story involves two men who, while traveling, come across a purse filled with gold. One man claims the purse as his own, refusing to share his good fortune with his companion. When danger strikes and they are threatened with being accused of theft, the roles reverse, and the greedy man must face the consequences of his actions alone.

1. Shared Fortune and Misfortune

The story of "The Travelers and the Purse" highlights the principle that those who share in the good times should also share in the bad. The man who found the purse wanted to keep all the benefits to himself, yet when trouble arose, he expected his companion to help bear the burden. This inconsistency reveals the importance of mutual responsibility and fairness in relationships, especially when dealing with shared experiences.

2. Consistency in Fairness in "The Travelers and the Purse"

The tale underscores the need for consistency in our actions and attitudes. If someone expects to benefit from a shared fortune, they should also be willing to face challenges together. The second traveler’s response serves as a lesson in fairness and integrity, reminding us that one cannot enjoy the benefits of collaboration while avoiding its responsibilities.

3. The Consequences of Greed

The story of "The Travelers and the Purse" also illustrates the pitfalls of greed and selfishness. The greedy traveler’s desire to claim the purse solely for himself leads to his downfall when faced with danger. This teaches us that greed not only disrupts harmony but can also lead to personal peril when we are unwilling to consider others.

4. The Value of Empathy and Cooperation in "The Travelers and the Purse"

In any relationship or partnership, empathy and cooperation are crucial. The tale demonstrates that the traveler who wanted to keep the purse to himself lacked empathy and cooperation. By failing to consider his companion’s well-being, he not only jeopardized their safety but also showed a lack of true partnership.

5. Moral Integrity

The story serves as a reminder that moral integrity requires us to act with fairness and honesty. The traveler’s initial refusal to share and subsequent reliance on his companion in times of trouble reveal a lack of moral consistency. True integrity involves treating others with the same fairness in both good times and bad.

In conclusion

"The Travelers and the Purse" teaches us about the importance of fairness, consistency, and empathy in our dealings with others. It reminds us that sharing the benefits and burdens of life equitably is essential for maintaining trust and harmony in relationships. By understanding and applying these lessons, we can foster more balanced and ethical interactions with those around us.