Listen to the Narration:
Muskrat and Chipmunk were sitting together near the creek one afternoon when a beetle crawled past them. The clumsy beetle bumped into a stone, then changed its direction and bumped into another stone.
“Beetles aren’t very clever, are they?” Chipmunk said dismissively.
Muskrat laughed. “Well, dumb creatures can’t simply decide to be smart,” he said. “The beetle is doing the best it can do, with the abilities it’s been given. That’s all any of us can do!”
For Parents: What Stoic Quote Does This Story Illustrate?
“Whenever you take offense at someone’s wrongdoing, immediately turn to your own similar failings, such as seeing money as good, or pleasure, or a little fame — whatever form it takes. By thinking on this, you’ll quickly forget your anger, considering also what compels them — for what else could they do?”
Marcus Aurelius
