Parables of Rama

by Swami Rama Tirtha | 102,836 words

Stories in English used by Swami Rama to illustrate the highest teaching of Vedanta. The most difficult and intricate problems of philosophy and abstract truths, which may very well tax the brains of the most intellectual, are thus made not only simple and easy to understand but also brought home to us in a concrete form in such an interesting and ...

Story 145 - The Snares of Flattery

Benjamin Franklin's Experience

Benjamin Franklin in his Autobiography relates an experience of his boyhood. When he was a boy, he was going to school in Philadelphia, and one day on his way to school, he happened to see a blacksmith at work. In those days, the machinery was not in such a high state of development as it is to-day. The blacksmith was working in his shop. Just like a curious boy, Benjamin stopped at the shop and was looking at the man at work. Children lose themselves in any thought that comes up before them. He had a satchel in his hand and he was just going to school, but he forgot all about his school to enjoy the sight of the working blacksmith. The blacksmith noticed the interest of the boy. He was sharpening his tools and knives. The assistant of the blacksmith having gone on an errand was absent. On seeing the little boy taking so much interest in the work, he asked him to come up to him. Benjamin moved up and the blacksmith said, "What a nice boy, what a fine boy, how intelligent you are!" Benjamin was puffed up and felt flattered, and when he noticed the beaming smiles on the face of

Benjamin, he asked him if be would take the trouble to help him in turning the grindstone. Benjamin immediately began to do that work. (Children are naturally very active and they want to do something which will keep their muscles employed. You can send them to the other end of the world if you can tackle their humour). While Benjamin was working at the grindstone, the blacksmith went on humouring and flattering him. The boy went on doing the work. In the meantime, he whetted a number of knives and axes. By that time the little boy felt fatigued and he remembered his school time and recitation hours, and wanted to leave the shop. But there was that man upon him with his flattery and humouring spirit saying, "Oh good boy, I know you are never punished in school, you are so fine, so smart. What the other boys take three hours to accomplish; you can do in one hour. The school master never gets angry with you, you are so good. One by one the swords were whetted and when one was half done. Benjamin wanted to leave, but he could not. The recitation hours commenced at 10 and he was released at 12. He went to school and was flogged for being late. He was tired and his arms were sore. For a week he had to suffer the consequences. He could not prepare his lessons.

Ever afterwards when any one flattered him, the thought came to his mind. "He has an axe to grind." After this event never was Benjamin Franklin entrapped in the snares of flattery.

MORAL: Beware of the snares of flattery; else you are bound to experience suffering.

Vol. 2 (331-332)

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