The Oak and the Reeds
A great oak was uprooted by a strong wind, flown to the other side of the river, and fell beside a patch of reeds. The oak said to the reeds, "You are so frail, I can't understand how you have not been completely destroyed by the gale."
The reeds replied, "You resisted the wind, and in the end, you failed. We, on the other hand, bow down before even the slightest breeze, and thus we are not broken, allowing us to avoid destruction."
As the reeds were proudly preaching, a farmer came by, noticed this oak tree, and regarded it as a treasure. The farmer's family was preparing to make furniture, and this piece of oak wood was just right. As the farmer left, he also cut down a patch of reeds because his family was in need of firewood. A few days later, when the reeds were thrown into the stove, they couldn't help but take another look at the oak tree – the oak had already been crafted into a cabinet. This time, the reeds did not utter another word...
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And so, the lesson is clear: sometimes flexibility is more valuable than strength. While the oak demonstrated resilience through its solid nature, it ultimately met an end that served others' purposes. The reeds, though seemingly weak, survived by bending with the forces around them. Yet, neither escape their ultimate fate entirely—each has its place and purpose, whether valued for sturdiness or utility.