Once upon a time, a Tortoise and a Hare lived in a rich, green forest full of bird singing and leaf rustling, two rather different creatures from one another.
The Hare’s remarkable speed made him well-known everywhere. In a flash, he could sprint across the forest, jumping over streams and logs as if they were nothing. Often boasting his speed, the Hare would tell the other animals, “No one can outrun me! Among the whole jungle, I am the quickest creature!
Conversely, the tortoise was sluggish and consistent. He went at his own speed, deliberately setting one foot ahead of the other. Unlike the Hare, the Tortoise was modest and intelligent; he would have rather stayed to himself than flaunt.
The Tortoise decided to impart knowledge to the Hare one day after he had spent hours boasting of his speed. “Hare,” the Tortoise stated coolly, “I believe I could beat you in a race even though you say you are the fastest animal in the forest.”
The Hare laughed wildly at the whole idea. Your? Race with me and beat me? You really must be kidding, Tortoise! You go more slowly than a snail! I could encircle you in circles.
Still, the tortoise showed no change. “We shall see,” he answered, grinning knowingly. “Let us sprint at daybreak tomorrow morning. Starting here at the foot of this magnificent tree, we will sprint over the slope to the other side of the forest.
Still laughing, the Hare consented easily. Enthusiastic to watch such a unique race, the other woodland creatures crowded around Though they were fascinated to find out what would happen, they couldn’t believe the Tortoise would confront the Hare.
The animals gathered at the starting line early morning as the first rays of dawn started to slink through the forest. Side by side, poised for the race to start, were the Tortoise and the Hare. Rising his wing to begin the race, the wise and esteemed Owl served as the judge.
“On your marks, get set, go!” the Owl said.
The Hare sprang off like a flash of fur, easily running along the road. He vanished from view in a few short seconds, leaving the Tortoise far behind. Certain that the Hare would prevail, the other animals watched him dash away.
The Tortoise, however, moved slowly. He inhaled deeply and started his trip, gently but deliberately one foot in front of the other. Though he realized he couldn’t keep the Hare’s pace, he devised a strategy.
The Hare, meanwhile, chose to snooze midway through the race as he was so sure he would win. “Why should I tire myself out?” he considered. “The tortoise is so sluggish that I have plenty of time to relax. Still, I will win effortlessly.
Dreaming of his triumph, the Hare so found a comfortable spot of grass beneath a shade tree, laid down, and fast fell asleep.
Returning on the road, the Tortoise kept plodding forward step by step. Neither hurried nor slowed down he did. He just continued on ahead, staring at the far hill where the finish line lay.
The Tortoise moved nearer the finish line as the sun rose higher in the heavens. As the tortoise’s consistent advancement took him closer to the hilltop, the other animals marveled. Beginning to mutter among themselves, they questioned if the Tortoise may really triumph.
At last, the Tortoise arrived at the top of the hill just as the Hare came awake from his snooze. The Hare yawned and stretched, sure he had plenty of time to dominate the race. He was startled to find the Tortoise already headed toward the finish line, however, as he peeked ahead.
Panicked, the Hare sprang to his feet and fled rapidly toward the hill. But it was already late. With his steady pace, the Tortoise crossed the finish line just as the Hare arrived at the hill’s foot.
The Tortoise had shown that knowledge and tenacity could overcome speed and arrogance, and the animals burst in shouts and compliments for her. Panting and gasping, the Hare hung his head in guilt.
Always modest, the Tortoise did not exude glory. Rather, he grinned politely at the Hare and remarked, “You may be fast, my friend, but sometimes slow and steady wins the race.”
That day, the Tortoise also imparted a priceless lesson to the Hare that would be remembered for decades to come: it is not always the fastest who succeeds; rather, those who stick to their route and never give up, no matter how hard the road may appear.
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