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Quiz about Swallow Your Pride and the Consequences

Swallow Your Pride and the Consequences Quiz

In fables and folktales, invariably, someone learns a lesson or moral the hard way. Can you determine the moral from these fables by the renowned fabulist Aesop?

A multiple-choice quiz by reedy. Estimated time: 8 mins.

Author
reedy

Time
8 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
349,746

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
8 / 10

Plays
1193

Awards
Top 20% Quiz

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. The Boy Bathing:

"A boy bathing in a river was in danger of being drowned. He called out to a passing traveller for help, but instead of holding out a helping hand, the man stood by unconcernedly, and scolded the boy for his imprudence.

"Oh, sir!" cried the youth, "pray help me now and scold me afterwards.""

What lesson did the needy boy learn? Hint

Counsel without help seems useless.

It should be wise to turn circumstances to good account by smooth talk. At other times no talking helps.

The loiterer often blames delay on his more active friend.

We should expect a tyrant will always find a pretext for his tyranny.

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Question 2 of 10

2. The Donkey and his Buyer:

"A man wished to buy a donkey, and agreed with its owner that he should try out the animal before he bought him. He took the donkey home and led it to the manger to mix with his other donkeys. Very quickly the new animal turned his back on the others and joined the one that was most idle and the greatest eater of them all. Seeing this, the man put a halter on him and led him back to his owner.

On being asked how he could have given it a fair trial in so short a time, he answered,

"I don't need a trial. I feel certain that he'll be like the one he chose for his companion.""

What lesson do we take from this? Hint

In avoiding one evil, care must be taken not to fall into another.

People often judge us by the company we keep.

False accusations are not a slight matter.

Wise ones refuse to take the credit due to others.

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Question 3 of 10

3. The Widow and the Sheep:

"A certain poor widow had one single sheep. At shearing time, wishing to take his fleece and to avoid expense, she sheared him herself, but used the shears so unskilfully that with the fleece she sheared the flesh.

The sheep, writhing with pain, said,

'Why do you hurt me so, mistress? What weight can my blood add to the wool? If you want my flesh, there is the butcher, who will kill me in an instant; but if you want my fleece and wool, there is the shearer, who will shear and not hurt me.'"

What did both the sheep and the widow learn? Hint

Energetic resolves depend on ensuing activity.

Lack of skill causes lots of difficulties.

Show enough concern in the seemingly innocent little things.

Don't think too well of others and their conditions.

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Question 4 of 10

4. The Two Frogs:

"Two frogs dwelt in the same pool. When the pool dried up under the summer's heat, they left it and set out together for another home. As they went along they chanced to pass a deep well, amply supplied with water, and when they saw it, one of the frogs said to the other, "Let us descend and make our abode in this well: it will furnish us with shelter and food."

The other replied with greater caution, "But suppose the water should fail us. How can we get out again from so great a depth?""

What wisdom did the second frog show? Hint

The more honour the more danger.

Everyone hopes more or less to be the master of his own fate.

Like may draw like.

Do nothing without a regard to the consequences.

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Question 5 of 10

5. The Crab and the Fox:

"A crab, forsaking the seashore, chose a neighbouring green meadow as its feeding ground. A fox came across him, and being very hungry ate him up. Just as he was on the point of being eaten, the crab said,

"I well deserve my fate, for what business had I on the land, when by my nature and habits I am only adapted for the sea?""

What lesson might have saved the crab's life? Hint

Example is more powerful than precept.

Contentment with our lot is an element of happiness.

Count the cost before you commit yourselves.

Time and place often give the advantage to the weak over the strong.

NEXT>

Question 6 of 10

6. The Gnat and the Bull:

"A gnat settled on the horn of a bull, and sat there a long time. Just as he was about to fly off, he made a buzzing noise, and asked of the bull if he would like him to go.

The bull replied, 'I did not know you had come, and I shall not miss you when you go away.'"

What did the gnat learn from this? Hint

The best intentions will not always ensure success.

Some men are of more consequence in their own eyes than in the eyes of their neighbours.

It is absurd to ape our betters.

If men had all they wished, they would be often ruined.

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Question 7 of 10

7. The Thirsty Pigeon:

"A pigeon, oppressed by excessive thirst, saw a goblet of water painted on a signboard. Not supposing it to be only a picture, she flew towards it with a loud whir and unwittingly dashed against the signboard, jarring herself terribly. Having broken her wings by the blow, she fell to the ground, and was caught by one of the bystanders."

What lesson did the pigeon demonstrate? Hint

Foresight is better than hindsight.

Not all adaptations are successful; we should stay with the best ones for us as long as we can.

Zeal should not outrun discretion.

Shortsighted and immediate goals may tie us up a lot, just like trivial pursuits.

NEXT>

Question 8 of 10

8. The Wild Boar and the Fox:

"A wild boar stood under a tree and rubbed his tusks against the trunk. A fox passing by asked him why he thus sharpened his teeth when there was no danger threatening from either huntsman or hound. He replied,

'I do it advisedly; for it would never do to have to sharpen my weapons just at the time I ought to be using them.'"

What did the wild boar mean? Hint

Great things can be achieved by some who help one another.

In fair weather prepare for foul.

Self-interest alone moves some men.

Those who are much ahead of others risk being called insane.

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Question 9 of 10

9. The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing:

"Once upon a time a wolf resolved to disguise his appearance in order to secure food more easily. Encased in the skin of a sheep, he pastured with the flock deceiving the shepherd by his costume. In the evening he was shut up by the shepherd in the fold; the gate was closed, and the entrance made thoroughly secure. But the shepherd, returning to the fold during the night to get meat for the next day, mistakenly caught up the wolf instead of a sheep, and killed him instantly."

What did the wolf learn, posthumously? Hint

Men of evil reputation, when they perform a good deed, may not get full credit for it.

Attempt not impossibilities.

What is most truly valuable is often underrated.

Risk-taking may be dangerous.

NEXT>

Question 10 of 10

10. The Ill Lion:

"A lion, unable from old age and infirmities to provide himself with food by force, resolved to do so by artifice. He returned to his den, and lying down there, pretended to be sick, taking care that his sickness should be publicly known. The beasts expressed their sorrow, and came one by one to his den, where the lion devoured them. After many of the beasts had thus disappeared, the fox discovered the trick and presenting himself to the lion, stood on the outside of the cave, at a respectful distance, and asked him how he was.

"I am very middling," replied the lion, "but why do you stand without? Pray enter within to talk with me."

"No, thank you," said the fox. "I notice that there are many prints of feet entering your cave, but I see no trace of any returning.""

What did the fox demonstrate? Hint

Evil companions bring more hurt than profit.

He is wise who is warned by the misfortunes of others.

No one can be a friend if you don't know whether to trust or distrust him.

It shows an evil disposition to take advantage of a friend in distress.

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. The Boy Bathing: "A boy bathing in a river was in danger of being drowned. He called out to a passing traveller for help, but instead of holding out a helping hand, the man stood by unconcernedly, and scolded the boy for his imprudence. "Oh, sir!" cried the youth, "pray help me now and scold me afterwards."" What lesson did the needy boy learn?

Answer: Counsel without help seems useless.

How often does one ask for help from someone, only to receive a rash of advice and no actual help? I have received this kind of 'help' most often from my single friends giving me advice on my relationship with my spouse, or my childless friends coaching me on how best to raise my kids.

The moral (according to me)? When the situation is reversed, be ready to help with your actions and not just your words.

2. The Donkey and his Buyer: "A man wished to buy a donkey, and agreed with its owner that he should try out the animal before he bought him. He took the donkey home and led it to the manger to mix with his other donkeys. Very quickly the new animal turned his back on the others and joined the one that was most idle and the greatest eater of them all. Seeing this, the man put a halter on him and led him back to his owner. On being asked how he could have given it a fair trial in so short a time, he answered, "I don't need a trial. I feel certain that he'll be like the one he chose for his companion."" What lesson do we take from this?

Answer: People often judge us by the company we keep.

I think of this as the modern idea of profiling. Do we not often judge people based on their friends? I would even look askance at my own kids if I saw them hanging around with the 'skater' crowd or the 'emo' kids.

The moral (according to me)? Be aware of appearances - not only who others acquaint themselves with, but also yourself.

3. The Widow and the Sheep: "A certain poor widow had one single sheep. At shearing time, wishing to take his fleece and to avoid expense, she sheared him herself, but used the shears so unskilfully that with the fleece she sheared the flesh. The sheep, writhing with pain, said, 'Why do you hurt me so, mistress? What weight can my blood add to the wool? If you want my flesh, there is the butcher, who will kill me in an instant; but if you want my fleece and wool, there is the shearer, who will shear and not hurt me.'" What did both the sheep and the widow learn?

Answer: Lack of skill causes lots of difficulties.

I always laugh when I see commercials of the inept do-it-yourselfer making a mash of things. There are professionals who are best suited to do the things you have no training for!

The moral (according to me)? Know your own limitations, and don't cut corners for the sake of a few pennies - it will likely end up costing more in the end.

4. The Two Frogs: "Two frogs dwelt in the same pool. When the pool dried up under the summer's heat, they left it and set out together for another home. As they went along they chanced to pass a deep well, amply supplied with water, and when they saw it, one of the frogs said to the other, "Let us descend and make our abode in this well: it will furnish us with shelter and food." The other replied with greater caution, "But suppose the water should fail us. How can we get out again from so great a depth?"" What wisdom did the second frog show?

Answer: Do nothing without a regard to the consequences.

This fable reminds me of the timeless words of Elvis: "Only fools rush in." Too often we are quick to jump into a situation because it looks good or promising, without giving it full thought.

The moral (according to me)? Take the time to give every situation full consideration of possible outcomes -- especially when things look too good to be true.

5. The Crab and the Fox: "A crab, forsaking the seashore, chose a neighbouring green meadow as its feeding ground. A fox came across him, and being very hungry ate him up. Just as he was on the point of being eaten, the crab said, "I well deserve my fate, for what business had I on the land, when by my nature and habits I am only adapted for the sea?"" What lesson might have saved the crab's life?

Answer: Contentment with our lot is an element of happiness.

This fable reminds me of a song I learned as a child in church: "Count your blessings, name them one by one." Too often, especially in our 'keeping up with the Joneses' society, we do not appreciate what we already have.

The moral (according to me)? Take joy in the things that you have and do not be quick to grasp for more than you need.

6. The Gnat and the Bull: "A gnat settled on the horn of a bull, and sat there a long time. Just as he was about to fly off, he made a buzzing noise, and asked of the bull if he would like him to go. The bull replied, 'I did not know you had come, and I shall not miss you when you go away.'" What did the gnat learn from this?

Answer: Some men are of more consequence in their own eyes than in the eyes of their neighbours.

For me, this precept is most evident when I see how my kids think the world revolves around them -- they (often) have no concept of the importance of other people, and think that their every whim should be immediately catered to. Maybe I'm to blame for that attitude? (Don't look too closely)

The moral (according to me)? Don't let your own ego run wild, and always try to put yourself in someone else's shoes before making assumptions.

7. The Thirsty Pigeon: "A pigeon, oppressed by excessive thirst, saw a goblet of water painted on a signboard. Not supposing it to be only a picture, she flew towards it with a loud whir and unwittingly dashed against the signboard, jarring herself terribly. Having broken her wings by the blow, she fell to the ground, and was caught by one of the bystanders." What lesson did the pigeon demonstrate?

Answer: Zeal should not outrun discretion.

My mom once tried to use me as a moral lesson to a group of my classmates; she offered up a number of different-sized chunks of chocolate and gave me the first choice. In this case, I was wise to her ploy and did *not* automatically choose the largest piece. Her lesson on greed kind of fell flat after that.

The moral (according to me)? Nothing less than the traditional... look before you leap!

8. The Wild Boar and the Fox: "A wild boar stood under a tree and rubbed his tusks against the trunk. A fox passing by asked him why he thus sharpened his teeth when there was no danger threatening from either huntsman or hound. He replied, 'I do it advisedly; for it would never do to have to sharpen my weapons just at the time I ought to be using them.'" What did the wild boar mean?

Answer: In fair weather prepare for foul.

I am reminded of the motto of the Scout Movement: Be Prepared. There is nothing worse than getting caught unprepared, in my opinion - especially when things become a matter of life and death (fire drills/precautions, for example).

The moral (according to me)? A little bit of forethought goes a long way. As my sergeant used to day: Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.

9. The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing: "Once upon a time a wolf resolved to disguise his appearance in order to secure food more easily. Encased in the skin of a sheep, he pastured with the flock deceiving the shepherd by his costume. In the evening he was shut up by the shepherd in the fold; the gate was closed, and the entrance made thoroughly secure. But the shepherd, returning to the fold during the night to get meat for the next day, mistakenly caught up the wolf instead of a sheep, and killed him instantly." What did the wolf learn, posthumously?

Answer: Risk-taking may be dangerous.

This one always makes me think of the idea of Karma. Be prepared to get back what you put in ... evil for evil; good for good.

The moral (according to me)? Be prepared to accept the consequences of your own actions.

10. The Ill Lion: "A lion, unable from old age and infirmities to provide himself with food by force, resolved to do so by artifice. He returned to his den, and lying down there, pretended to be sick, taking care that his sickness should be publicly known. The beasts expressed their sorrow, and came one by one to his den, where the lion devoured them. After many of the beasts had thus disappeared, the fox discovered the trick and presenting himself to the lion, stood on the outside of the cave, at a respectful distance, and asked him how he was. "I am very middling," replied the lion, "but why do you stand without? Pray enter within to talk with me." "No, thank you," said the fox. "I notice that there are many prints of feet entering your cave, but I see no trace of any returning."" What did the fox demonstrate?

Answer: He is wise who is warned by the misfortunes of others.

As a teacher, this one always gets me kind of down. It is my hope that I can pass on my experiences to my students (and my own kids), and to help them learn without having to go through some of the struggles that I went through. More often than not, though, they end up learning the hard way, anyway.

The moral (according to me)? Appreciate the experience of others, and don't assume you know better.

Source: Author reedy

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor looney_tunes before going online.
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