The Fox and the Grapes

By Mr. Joshua Hui

 

Hello kids, do you still remember we had goal setting in September? How is your progress? Do you get upset or angry when you fail? Or do you give up trying to work on your plan?

 

Let’s read a story “The Fox and the Grapes” from one of Aesop's fables to see that nothing is easy.

 

One day, a fox became very hungry as he went to search for some food. He searched high and low, but couldn’t find anything to eat.

 

Finally, as his stomach rumbled, he stumbled upon a farmer’s wall. At the top of the wall, he saw the biggest, juiciest grapes he’d ever seen. They had a rich, purple colour, telling the fox that they were ready to be eaten.

 

To reach the grapes, the fox had to jump high in the air. As he jumped, he opened his mouth to catch the grapes, but he missed. The fox tried over and over again but to no avail.

He tried a few more times but kept failing.

 

Finally, the fox decided it was time to give up and go home. While he walked away, he muttered, “I’m sure the grapes were sour anyway.”

 

I am sure all of you should have something you wish to get and there is no doubt that sometimes it is not that easy to possess or you cannot even get it in the end. You may feel disappointed, sad and even frustrated whether you should contribute your effort in the first place. However, take a deep breath and appreciate your hard work. If you don't try, you'll never succeed.

 

Success never comes easy. It needs a whole lot of effort to achieve it and if you have complete dedication and desire, then only will you be able to achieve it. You should be resilient at the times of failure and should have a fightback spirit so that success knocks at your door. -- Prashant Agarwal