THE ANT AND THE FLY

Question

An Ant and a Fly were contending with great warmth which was of the greater importance. The Fly was the first to begin: "Can you possibly compare with my endowments? When a sacrifice is made, I am the first to taste of the entrails that belong to the Gods. I pass my time among the altars, I wander through all the temples; soon as I have espied it, I seat myself on the head of a king; and I taste of the chaste kisses of matrons. I labour not, and yet enjoy the nicest of things: what like to this, good rustic, falls to your lot?" "Eating with the Gods," said the Ant, "is certainly a thing to be boasted of; but by him who is invited, not him who is loathed as an intruder. You talk about kings and the kisses of matrons. While I am carefully heaping up a stock of grain for winter, I see you feeding on filth about the walls. You frequent the altars; yes, and are driven away as often as you come. You labour not; therefore it is that you have nothing when you stand in need of it. And, further, you boast about what modesty ought to conceal. You tease me in summer; when winter comes you are silent. While the cold is shrivelling you up and putting you to death, a well-stored abode harbours me. Surely I have now pulled down your pride enough."

Answer 1

The fable of "The Ant and the Fly" illustrates a timeless lesson about the values of hard work, preparation, and humility in contrast to the superficial extravagance and boastfulness of those who seek instant gratification without effort.

In this tale, the Fly epitomizes a carefree lifestyle, reveling in the luxury of being near the gods, kings, and affluent people, while the Ant embodies diligence and foresight, focusing on the pragmatic task of gathering food for the winter. The Fly's claims of grandeur and indulgence highlight a shallow pursuit of pleasure that lacks depth and sustainability. On the other hand, the Ant’s commitment to labor is rewarded by the security it provides during harsh times.

The Ant’s final words drive home the point that overconfidence and superficiality are not substitutes for true value and resilience. When the winter cold arrives to challenge their respective ways of living, the consequences of their choices become starkly apparent. The Fly may enjoy momentary pleasures, but it is the Ant whose hard work ensures survival.

Ultimately, this fable encourages us to appreciate the fruits of hard work and warns against the dangers of arrogance and reliance on fleeting pleasures. It serves as a reminder that true worth lies in one's actions and contributions rather than mere appearances or idle boasts.