A while back a friend posted this fable on facebook. I thought about this fable a lot asking myself “What does this really mean?” I would like to share it.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Scorpion_and_the_Frog
The Scorpion and the Frog is an animal fable about a scorpion asking a frog to carry him across a river. The frog is afraid of being stung during the trip, but the scorpion argues that if it stung the frog, the frog would sink and the scorpion would drown. The frog agrees and begins carrying the scorpion, but midway across the river the scorpion does indeed sting the frog, dooming them both. When asked why, the scorpion points out that this is its nature.
The fable is used to illustrate the position that the natural behavior of some creatures is inevitable, no matter how they are treated and no matter what the consequences.
It is also used to illustrate that a person (frog) is to blame for the trouble they are in if it was caused by associating with another (scorpion) they know to be no good.
Questions: Please share your thoughts in the comments.
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What does this parable mean to you?
- Do you believe the natural behavior of some creatures (people) is inevitable?
- Do you think a person (frog) is to blame for the trouble of another (scorpion) through their association?
- Do you believe a person (scorpion) can change if they really want it?
- Do you think the person (scorpion) just used his nature as an excuse to be mean or bad?
Comments are always welcome. You can always use your initials or anonymous for your name, if this makes you feel more comfortable to respond. 🙂 Did you find this helpful? If so, please share this blog post with your colleagues, friends, and family on all your social networks! Thank you. 🙂
• Don’t carry those that keep making doing the same bad behavior
• No. But they do. That’s what makes it possible.
• No. Everyone has the opportunity and smarts to choose wither or not to follow a person.
• People can learn better behavior if they choose.
• yes
Thank you Tanya for your sharing your thoughts and comments! 🙂
I hope you took some time to answer the self-reflection questions. Each day I find myself answering the questions a little differently. What our your thoughts?
Thank you for the wonderful comments about my website. 🙂
What does this parable mean to you? I believe in making your own way, your own destiny in life. We have the choice to display certain behaviors and/or act certain ways which may be taken as blunt or unkind by others. We have the choice to be kind… honest…and tough. We have the choice, and because we have the choice there is always a possibility to change and better ourselves. We can learn from our mistakes and move forward. Or we can choose to sit still and stagnant and repeat bad behaviors and make the same mistakes. I believe in the goodness of humanity and that no matter how difficult things can be, or how heartbreaking a mistake can make you feel, there is that possibility for change. If trust has been broken, it can always be rebuilt. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you SS for responding and your wonderful comments to the parable. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Others have asked me to respond on what my thoughts are regarding this fable. Each day I look at this fable a little differently.
Here is my perspective at this moment:
• What does this parable mean to you? – I believe some people do not know what their purpose is in life and are miserable. Misery loves company and they suck in people to make themselves feel better about themselves. When you have purpose and meaning in your life you are happy and you spread happiness. I believe it is true when people feel loved, appreciated and valued they will reflect love, appreciation and value to others.
• Do you believe the natural behavior of some creatures (people) is inevitable? -No, I believe people can change their behavior if they want and desire it with coaching and encouragement.
• Do you think a person (frog) is to blame for the trouble of another (scorpion) through their association? – Sometimes yes, when you associate with others their thinking and behavior can rub off on you. You may begin to think the behavior is acceptable and start to behave the same way.
• Do you believe a person (scorpion) can change if they really want it? -Yes, I believe people can change if they really desire it.
• Do you think the person (scorpion) just used his nature as an excuse to be mean or bad? – Yes, the scorpion had a choice to live and appreciate and value the frogs help.
What are your thoughts???
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What does this parable mean to you?
I think that sometimes you can put your trust in the wrong person. You will always want to give someone the benefit, you want to believe that their past does not always define who they are as a person now… but there are too many times that someone’s “true nature” comes out and you will get hurt/stung. If this person has not truly changed themselves, they are just better at hiding who they really are, you will always be the frog getting stung in the end.
•Do you believe the natural behavior of some creatures (people) is inevitable?
NO. I believe a person can be who they choose to be. They might have situations they make it harder for them to change, BUT that is what true change is. You won’t be able to change yourself and your behavior without going through real trials. The trials are what make you stronger and the “better” person.
•Do you think a person (frog) is to blame for the trouble of another (scorpion) through their association?
Yes and No. The frog is not totally to blame for the troubles of the scorpion, BUT they are responsible if they enable the scorpion to continue to behave that way around them, if they make excuses for the scorpions behavior.
•Do you believe a person (scorpion) can change if they really want it?
Yes. If they really want to change and they seek the help necessary then they can change and become a better person.
•Do you think the person (scorpion) just used his nature as an excuse to be mean or bad?
Yes.
WOW! Melissa – great insight! Thank you for sharing. ~ Patti 🙂