Listen to the Narration:
A fire swept through the forest, and an old hawthorn and a tall oak were the only trees that survived the flames on the hill they shared.
“It’s bad luck that we were made to suffer this fire,” lamented the hawthorn tree.
“No, the fire was no misfortune at all,” replied the oak. “To endure the fire and prevail was good fortune. And remember: fires clear the forest of old wood and allow new life to grow.”
The hawthorn considered the green seedlings that had started sprouting up from the ash around them, and said no more.
For Parents: What Stoic Quote Does This Story Illustrate?
“Here is a rule to remember in future, when anything tempts you to feel bitter: not ‘This is misfortune,’ but ‘To bear this worthily is good fortune.’”
Marcus Aurelius
