The Young Crab and His Mother

Summary

This short fable centers around a Mother Crab who instructs her young son to walk straight forward with his toes turned out. Curious and eager to learn, the young Crab asks his mother to demonstrate the proper way to walk. Despite her intentions, the Mother Crab unsuccessfully attempts to walk straight, ultimately proving unable to walk any way other than sideways, just like her son. When she tries to turn her toes out, she clumsily trips and falls. The story humorously points out the challenge of adhering to one's own advice and highlights the inconsistencies that can occur when setting expectations for others without leading by example. It serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of humility and self-awareness in the guidance we provide.

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“Why in the world do you walk sideways like that?” said a Mother Crab to her son. “You should always walk straight forward with your toes turned out.”

“Show me how to walk, mother dear,” answered the little Crab obediently, “I want to learn.”

So the old Crab tried and tried to walk straight forward. But she could walk sideways only, like her son. And when she wanted to turn her toes out she tripped and fell on her nose.