Parable of the Work Horses

Origin: Fables by Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910)

Parable:

Two horses were carrying two loads.

The front horse went well, but the rear horse was lazy. The men began to pile the rear horse’s load on the front horse; when they had transferred it all, the rear horse found it easy going, and he said to the front horse:

“Toil and sweat! The more you try, the more you suffer.”

When they reached the tavern, the owner said; “Why should I fodder two horses when I carry all on one? I had better give the one all food it wants, and cut the throat of the other; at least I shall have the hide.”

And so he did.

Lesson:

You may get away with slacking off for awhile; but eventually, your uselessness will be found out and you will pay the price for it. The best strategy is always to work hard and make yourself indispensable to others.