An Old Man and His Three Sons
Once upon a time, there was an old man who had three sons. Unfortunately, these three brothers did not share the love and bond that brothers typically should. Instead, they spent their days quarrelling, fighting, and abusing one another. This constant discord made their father very unhappy. Concerned about his sons’ behavior, the old man pondered how he could encourage them to change.
As the old man lay on his deathbed, he decided to call all his sons to his side. He instructed the youngest son to fetch three sticks. When the boy returned with the sticks, the old man tied them together and handed the bundle to his eldest son, asking him to break it. The eldest son exerted all his strength, but the sticks remained unbroken. Next, the second son tried, but he too could not break the sticks. Finally, the youngest son attempted to break them, but he failed as well.
Seeing this, the old man untied the sticks and distributed them to each son separately. This time, each son was able to break his single stick with ease. The old man then explained, “You can now see that it is good to stay together as brothers. Three can stand together firmly, but it is impossible for one to stand alone.”
Summary
This story carries a profound message about unity and cooperation. Just as the three sticks remained unbreakable when tied together, we too are stronger when we come together as a community. When individuals unite, they create a powerful force that fosters progress and support in schools, homes, and society at large. The moral is clear: harmony and collaboration lead to strength and resilience.
Discussion Questions
- What lesson can be drawn from the old man’s actions?
- Students should recognize the importance of unity and how it contributes to strength.
- How can this story apply to our lives today?
- Encourage students to reflect on their relationships with family and friends, emphasizing teamwork and support.
Additional Resources
Conclusion
This tale of the old man and his three sons illustrates the critical value of unity. By working together and supporting one another, we can overcome challenges and achieve greater success. Let this story inspire us to foster strong relationships and a spirit of collaboration in all aspects of our lives.
