The crow and the fox: 3 lessons for modern society

Mar 14 / Daniel Bobasha
Jean de La Fontaine’s fable The Crow and the Fox is one of the most famous in French literature. Its lesson on flattery and naivety remains highly relevant today, especially in a world where image and persuasion play a central role.

Summary of the Fable
A crow, perched on a tree, holds a piece of cheese in its beak. A fox, attracted by the smell, flatters the crow by praising its beauty and suggesting that if it could sing, it would be the noblest of birds. The crow, eager to prove itself, opens its beak to sing, dropping the cheese, which the fox quickly snatches. The moral of the story is clear: “Every flatterer lives at the expense of those who listen to them.”

Lessons for Modern Society

1. Manipulation Through Flattery
Today, we are constantly exposed to persuasive speech, whether in politics, marketing, or social media. Influencers, advertisers, and politicians use strategies to seduce and manipulate public opinion, just like the fox tricks the crow. It is essential to remain vigilant and not be fooled by empty compliments.

2. The Overestimation of Image
The crow is overly concerned with its appearance and seeks validation. This mirrors today’s obsession with social media, where likes and compliments become addictive. Like the crow, many people fall into the trap of illusion and ultimately “lose their cheese”—their time, authenticity, or even mental well-being.

3. The Power of Intelligence and Strategy
The fox represents strategic intelligence. In professional, political, and economic spheres, those who master persuasion and analysis often have an advantage over those who rely solely on appearances. This reminds us that true strength lies not just in material possessions or superficial charm but in critical thinking and the ability to anticipate others’ intentions.

Conclusion
The Crow and the Fox teaches a lesson that remains relevant today: flattery and naivety can be costly. In a world where image, persuasion, and cunning are everywhere, we must develop critical thinking skills, be cautious of sweet words, and value intelligence over appearance. Ultimately, wisdom lies in seeing beyond illusions and resisting those who seek to exploit our vanity.

Full Text of the Fable
The Crow and the Fox
Master Crow, perched on a tree,
Held a cheese in his beak.
Master Fox, attracted by the smell,
Spoke to him in words like these:
“Hello, Sir Crow!
How lovely you are! How beautiful you seem!
If your song matches your plumage,
You are the Phoenix of these woods!”
At these words, the crow, overjoyed,
Opens wide his beak to show off his voice,
And drops his prize.
The fox grabs it and says, “My good sir,
Learn that every flatterer
Lives at the expense of those who listen to them.
This lesson is well worth a cheese, no doubt.”
Ashamed and confused,
The crow swore, but a little too late, that he would not be fooled again.

Jean de La Fontaine, Fables, Livre I, 1668.
Translated using Deepl
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