70 original fables
Life is hard, but rich with moments of wonderment. Fables tell us a bit about both. They tell us about ourselves.
Fables use animals to teach about the wildest animal of all: ourselves. Life is hard, but it has moments of wonder. Fables tell a bit about both. They tell us about ourselves—and you might find yourself on Forty Hectare Farm. The full title has 70 fables.
Hard Work
We work hard to avoid harder work.
Why does the farmhand work so hard? Angus asked Fergus as they landed by the shed. Lift this, push that; dawn to dusk. The two ducks walked awkwardly, then flew to the roof where Doodle rooster commanded the sun to rise. I mean, Angus added, there must be an easier way.
That is the easier way, came the reply. Angus stared blankly, so Fergus continued. You fly with ease, but suppose you had to walk. Not so fast, then, are you? Flying is hard but easier than the alternative. The farmhand delivers hay bales in the truck because driving is easier than carrying.
So, started Angus, the farmhand choses the least work to get the job done. Is the farmhand lazy?
No, but if something easier comes along, the farmhand would do that. Flying is easier than walking, but you glide when you can rather than work your wings. That’s smart, not lazy. The farmhand works as hard as necessary, as smart as possible.
Hurry Slowly
An idea will not work unless you do.
For years, the north field lay fallow. Not planted, not ploughed. It was in sad need of mowing, however the farm has no mower. Until now, it needed none. Sheep graze the lesser fields as a natural alternative. They do a good job cropping grass.
It’ll take the sheep a week to finish, Milkshake said to a stablemate, swishing her tail for emphasis. We could crop the north field in a single day. The idea also occurred to the farmhand. The following day, Buddy led the herd to the north field thicket.
The cows counted sheep exiting the field. Yet it wasn’t sleep so much as contentment with a pasture of ripe alfalfa that had them hasten slowly. They could make quick work of it, but it didn’t work out that way. Why rush a good thing? Milkshake figured.
Multiplying Light
Wisdom multiplies when divided among others.
The farmhand has a box with buttons that gives answers, said Buddy. Do you mean a calculator, Dolly asked, or could it be a computer? Not sure, Buddy tilted his head, but it must be bright; it has lights. Well, in that case, animals have something better. We have Owlbert. He has answers and can work in the dark.
Then why doesn’t the farmhand ask Owlbert? That depends, replied Dolly. If it is the facts you need, the box with buttons is faster. The old owl, however, has the ability to discover alternatives.
If Owlbert gives you an answer, Buddy began, doesn’t he lose it? If I give you a biscuit, that’s one less treat for me. Not that I wouldn’t want to share. Understood, the llama said with a smile. Think of it like a candle. A candle loses nothing in lighting another.
