• The River Fish and the Sea Fish

Value surpasses prideful origins.

Once upon a time, a mighty River Fish lived in a peaceful river. He grew big and strong, swimming effortlessly in the gentle currents of his home. But one fateful day, a powerful surge of water swept him away, carrying him into the vast, open sea.

In this unfamiliar world, the River Fish encountered an array of sea creatures, each unique and unlike anything he had seen before. Feeling out of place, he puffed up his chest with pride and began boasting loudly about his origins.

"I come from the great river," he declared. "I am strong and mighty, unlike you sea creatures."

His words carried through the water until they reached the ears of a small Sea Fish. Curious, the little fish swam closer and remarked, "You certainly think highly of yourself, don't you?"

The River Fish merely laughed, dismissing the tiny Sea Fish as unworthy of his attention.

One day, both the River Fish and the Sea Fish were caught in a fisherman's net. The fisherman, delighted by his catch, carefully examined each fish. He placed the small Sea Fish in a special basket alongside other delicate sea creatures, destined for fine dining tables.

The River Fish, however, was tossed into a larger pile of common river fish, destined for the market.

As they were carried away, the Sea Fish turned to the River Fish and said, "You see, in the end, it’s not about where you come from, or how big or strong you are, but about the value others see in you."

And so, the River Fish learned a humbling lesson about pride and worth.