The Mischievous Dog
Story by: Aesop
Source: Aesop's Fables
There was once a dog who had developed a very bad habit of biting people without warning. No matter how kindly strangers approached him, or how gently children tried to pet him, this dog would suddenly snap at them with his sharp teeth.
His master grew tired of the complaints from neighbors and visitors, and finally decided on a solution. He fastened a brass bell around the dog’s neck so that everyone would hear him coming and could stay out of his way.
The dog was delighted with his new bell. He thought it made him look very important and distinguished. He strutted through the village, proudly shaking his head to make the bell ring as loudly as possible.
“Listen to my beautiful bell!” he would think to himself. “Surely everyone must admire me now. I must be the most important dog in the village!”
An old wise dog noticed the younger dog’s pride and decided to teach him a lesson.
“Young friend,” said the old dog, “I see you’re very proud of that bell you’re wearing.”
“Indeed I am!” replied the mischievous dog. “It shows everyone how special and important I am!”
The old dog shook his head sadly. “I’m afraid you’re mistaken. That bell is not a badge of honor - it’s a badge of shame. It’s there to warn others to stay away from you because you can’t be trusted. You should be ashamed of it, not proud.”
The mischievous dog’s tail stopped wagging as the truth sank in.
Moral: Notoriety is not the same as fame. A bad reputation may make you well-known, but not in a way you should be proud of.
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