Week 2 Reading: Aesop's Fables Part B

This week I am reading Aesop's Fables by Joseph Jacobs. This post will cover part B.

The Tortoise and the Hare, from Warner Brothers

• I think a big difference from other similar, proverb-esque reading I have done is that every animal is smart in at least one story. They are not always nice or malicious either. These animals seem to have more complex personalities. I have noticed that the smart and cautious (even downright paranoid) animals always come out on top. 
• I also think it's interesting that a slave is writing so much about embracing who you are, and your place in your social system. If he were born into slavery, it would make no sense. But, if Aesop was put into slavery as an adult, I can see how he would yearn to resume his former life. 
• I like how these tales focus on self improvement instead of relying on the kindness of others. I think it's important that people take responsibility for themselves. Also, Aesop seems to tell us that we should not expect much from other people, because they are imperfect just like we are. 
• I feel like many of these fables could apply to combat or warfare. If captured, you should not expect mercy. On that same line of thinking, you should not give mercy to your enemies, because they do not forget, and they will always be dangerous to you. 
• I think the idea that a mother should be punished for the deeds of the son is against what has been said before. It does not agree with the ideas of personal responsibility and nature vs nurture that have already been presented. 

In the end, I enjoyed these stories. I think that there are a lot of valuable lessons contained in them.