The five
fingers on a hand had a heated argument one day. Each finger argued that he was
the most important member of their family.
The thumb
finger started his claim: “I am absolutely essential for eating, writing and
for grasping any object by the hand. Moreover, holding the thumb up is a
universal symbol of victory. I am sucked by babies and then I shower motherly
affection and consolation on them.”
The index
(fore) finger was the next to speak. He argued, “I am essential to point to any
object and to accuse a person. Speakers use me to express ideas emphatically
and to point at people with power. I am raised above all of you to indicate
that a thing is the first and the best.”
The middle
finger asserted, "
I am definitely the longest among us and so I am the natural
leader of this family. I have the maximum dignity and I always have two of you
to guard me on either side. You cannot question my status or stature.”
The ring
finger said, “I am the symbol of love, romance, marriage and family life. I am
decorated with a golden ring during engagement and marriage, the greatest and
most memorable moments of one’s life. I shine among you like a king wearing a
royal, golden crown.”
The little
finger was waiting for his chance. He said, “I am the smallest, but I am not
the least or the last. As the baby of the family, I deserve special care and
consideration. Undoubtedly I am the most beautiful finger with a lovely
tenderness and a lively grace. When the hands are folded during a prayer or
expression of respect, I stay in front of all of you as the leader. Obviously,
I am the greatest.”
The
arguments continued and they were about to start a physical fight, when the
owner of the hand intervened to make peace. He convinced them that each finger
was equally important. He told them, “Each of you is essential to me. Each of
you is helpless and useless without the assistance of the others. God created
you differently but when you act together, you can achieve what is impossible
individually. No one is weak or unimportant. Each one has unique abilities and
importance. We can achieve victory only by a collective effort, close
cooperation and team-work.
For example, when you act in harmony, you can operate
different tools and equipment, make novel and wonderful articles, construct
objects and buildings, create artistic works of great beauty, play musical
instruments and help others who need your assistance.”
The
enlightened fingers promised that they would remain in harmony and cooperate to
help others.
…………………………………………………………………..
©
By: Prof. Dr. Babu Philip, Former Professor, Cochin
University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala,
India, Prof. Mrs. Rajamma Babu, Former Professor, St.
Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, Leo. S. John, St.
Antony's Public School, Anakkal, Kanjirappally and Neil John, Maniparambil, Alfeen
Public School, Kanjirappally, Kerala, India.
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more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students kindly visit our
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