Strangers appearing wet claim that water lies ahead and urge a caravan to discard its supply. Those who trust the claim are left in danger.
Another leader keeps the stored water until a real source is found. His caution protects the caravan.
Adapted from Ellen C. Babbitt, Jataka Tales (1912), chapter X · Source text & illustration
Fables use imaginary events to invite reflection; interpretations vary.
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What the Elephant Heard
Notice the words you absorb and the atmosphere you create.