Author Information
Destruction as a Consequence of Selfishness
Long time ago, at the beginning of the Creation, millions of living things resided in the Chattahoochee Forest. They all were cooperative, emphatic, and generous, contributing with the formation of a very happy and lovely atmosphere. The only way they knew to treat each other was based on affection, honesty, compassion, confidence, loyalty, and kindness. Everytime one of them was in trouble, he could be sure his caring friends would be glad to help. The most popular of them, the fox, the puma, the eagle, the snake, and the black bear were recognized and admired for being the most benevolent creatures in the forest. As they grew up, they started forming families by reproducing themselves, and the population rose exponentially; therefore, each clan realized they needed a home for their own. The establishment of an organized political system was also required. As the living things were used to listen to each other and take everyone’s opinion in consideration, they decided to create a democracy. Both, the eagle and the black bear wanted to win the presidency, reason why they began to compete. The snake, black bear’s best friend convinced other animals to vote for the bear by speaking negatively about the eagle, which had a strategy too: he gave all the creatures money to build their houses in exchange for a vote. At the time the living things were constructing their homes, the eagle won the elections unfairly, creating a hostile environment between him and his opponent. The entire population showed inconformity about the conflict; nevertheless, the fox, and the puma chose to follow their leader, killing and stealing every animal who was against the eagle. The forest, which was the perfect place to live, soon became a terrifying site. The citizens didn’t want to live together anymore, their attitudes changed drastically: the only way they knew to treat each other now was based on selfishness, fear, and distrust. No one of them cared of the world any longer, and little by little it came to an end.
Moral Teaching:
Selfishness and egocentrism may lead to loneliness and tragedy. People should learn to take other’s needs in consideration, so a better world could be built.
