A Fable From
Developing Attitudes Toward Listening to One Another
Adapted from Robert F. Mager
Once upon a
time in a little drop of water, King Amoeba decided
he wanted to teach his subjects how to have a better
life. So he traveled far and wide throughout the
Kingdom of Dropland to tell his people how to be
better than they were. But nobody listened.
"Psst,"
said his advisor. "First you have to get their
attention. Here. Rub on this magic potion and you
will get everyone's attention.
So the king
did as he was told and went out to teach his people
how to be better than they were. But nobody listened.
They swam away . . . and held their noses.
"Psst,"
said his advisor. "You have to be sure they can
hear you. Here. Shout into this megaphone and then
everyone will listen."
So the king
did as he was told, and went out to spread his wisdom.
But nobody listened. They swam away . . . and held
their noses . . . and covered their ears.
"Psst,"
said his advisor. "The people are too stupid to
realize what wisdom you have to offer. You have to
make them listen for their own good."
So the king
made everyone gather in the Great Solarium while he
told them how to be better than they were. But when
the Great Doors were opened, everybody swam away so
hard and fast that before they knew it they had swum
right out of Dropland. And henceforth and forevermore
they were referred to as Outdroppers.
AND THE MORAL OF THIS FABLE IS
. . . . . NOT TO TALK AT ONE ANOTHER.
