Listen to the Narration:
A farmer was hosting a picnic, and he chained his two dogs beneath a shade tree to keep them from barking at the visitors.
“I don’t like being tethered to this tree,” complained the younger dog, and pulled at the chain angrily. “Why won’t the farmer let us be free?”
“We’re free to choose how we feel about it, aren’t we?” the older dog said as he laid down for a nap. “There are chains on our collars, but no chains on our spirits. We can still decide to be happy — even tethered to a tree.”
For Parents: What Stoic Quote Does This Story Illustrate?
“I must be put in chains. Must I then also lament? I must go into exile. Does any man then hinder me from going with smiles and cheerfulness and contentment?”
Epictetus
