Scorpion and the Frog
Scorpion and the Frog
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(24" x 36") - Acrylic on Canvas
One of my favorite childhood stories is the classic Russian fable 'The Scorpion and the Frog.' Some have tried to credit Aesop with this tale, but as far as I can tell, it is not one of Aesop's fables and may actually have its roots in much older oriental traditions.
Either way, if you are not familiar with the story, here is a concise version of it taken from, ironically, AesopFables.com:
The Scorpion and the Frog A scorpion and a frog meet on the bank of a stream and the scorpion asks the frog to carry him across on its back. The frog asks, "How do I know you won't sting me?" The scorpion says, "Because if I do, I will die too." The frog is satisfied, and they set out, but in midstream, the scorpion stings the frog. The frog feels the onset of paralysis and starts to sink, knowing they both will drown, but has just enough time to gasp "Why?" Replies the scorpion: "Its my nature..." |
This fable, like so many others, is called a teaching story because it presents a clear lesson even a child can understand. And in this case, The Scorpion and Frog is a cautionary tale that teaches there are people out there who cannot resist hurting others even when it is not in their best interest. They hurt others because they can, whether they want to or not. It is their nature!
I have known and know people like this. And they are all much more attractive and complicated than a scorpion. They brandish no obvious stinger (highlighted in red) to warn others their intentions are self-serving and harmful. Some in this group know full well what they are doing; others may not realize they are self-destructively harmful.
And what can this fable teach us about institutions, companies, governmental agencies, media, and financial markets? Like people, there are organizational scorpions harming people to such an extent that laws have to be created to protect us from them. Their nature.
And what about me? I have to confess I have played the part of the scorpion more than once in my life. I have hurt others even when it hurt me more. I have made promises, and I have broken promises. Heaven help me if that is my nature.