книги / Striving For Happiness. I Am a Part of All that I Have Met

The Frog And The Ox

Some little frogs had just had a harrowing experience down at the swampy meadow, and they came hopping home to report their adventure.

"Oh, father," said one of the little frogs, all out of breath, "we have just seen the most terrible monster in all the world. It was enormous, with horns on its head and a long tail and hoofs..."

"Why, child, that was no monster. That was only an ox. He isn't so big! If I really put my mind to it I could make myself as big as an ox. Just watch me!" So the old frog blew himself up. "Was he as big as I am now?" he asked.

"Oh, father, much bigger," cried the little frogs. Again the father frog blew himself up, and asked his children if the ox could be as big as that.

"Bigger, father, a great deal bigger," came the chorus from the little frogs. "If you blew yourself up until you burst you could not be as big as the monster we saw in the swampy meadow."

Provoked by such disparagement of his powers, the old frog made one more attempt. He blew and blew and swelled and swelled until something went pop. The old frog had burst.

MORAL: Self-conceit leads to self-destruction.

The Donkey In The Lion's Skin

Once upon a time a donkey found a lion's skin and put it on. In this disguise he roamed about, frightening all the silly animals he met. When a fox came along, the donkey in the lion's skin tried to frighten him too. But the fox, having heard his voice, said, "If you really want to frighten me you will have to disguise your bray."

MORAL: Clothes may disguise afool, but his words will give him away.

The Tortoise And The Eagle

The tortoise once upon a time was not the contented fellow that he is today. There was a time when he wished with all his heart that he could fly. As he watched the birds disporting themselves in the clouds, he felt sure that if he could get up into the air he could soar with the best of them.

One day he called to an eagle who was hovering over head, "Friend eagle, you are the best flier among all the birds. If you will teach me to fly I will bring you all the treasures of the sea."

The eagle replied, "But you are asking the impossible, friend tortoise. In the first place, you have no wings and, in the second, nature never intended you to fly."

But the tortoise kept pleading and promising greater and greater rewards. So finally the eagle said that he would do the best he could. Telling the tortoise to hang on, he bore him high into the sky. Then he loosed his hold upon the now thoroughly frightened tortoise and cried, "All right, start flying."

The poor tortoise, however, dropped like a plummet and was dashed to pieces on the rocks below.

MORAL: Vanity carries its own punishment.

The Ant And The Grasshopper

One frosty autumn day an ant was busily storing away some of the kernels of wheat which he had gathered during the summer to tide him over the coming winter.

A grasshopper, half perishing from hunger, came limping by. Seeing what the indus­ trious ant was doing, he asked for a morsel from the ant's store to save his life.

"What were you doing all during the summer while I was busy harvesting?" inquired the ant.

"Oh," replied the grasshopper, "I was not idle. I was singing and chirping all day

long."

"Well," said the ant, smiling grimly as he locked his granary door, "since you sang all summer, it looks as though you will have to dance all winter."

MORAL: It is thrifty to prepare todayfor the wants o f tomorrow.

Now read the story and compare its moral with the fable having the same title. The questions after the text will help you to do it.

The Ant And The Grasshopper

After W.S. Maugham

When I was. a small boy I was made to learn by heart some fables of La Fontaine and the moral of each was carefully explained to me. Among them was "The Ant and the Grasshopper". In spite of the moral of this fable my sympathies were with the grasshopper and for some time I never saw an ant without putting my foot on it.

I couldn't help thinking of this fable when the other day I saw George Ramsay lunching in a restaurant. I never saw an expression of such deep gloom. He was staring into space. I was sorry for him: I suspected at once that his unfortunate brother had been causing trouble again.

I went up to him. "How are you?" I asked. "Is it Tom again?" He sighed. "Yes, it's Tom again."

I suppose every family has a black sheep. In this family it had been Tom. He had begun life decently enough: he went into business, married and had two children. The Ram­ says were respectable people and everybody supposed that Tom would have a good carrier. But one day he announced that he didn't like work and that he wasn't suited for marriage. He wanted to enjoy himself.

He left his wife and his office. He spent two happy years in the various capitals of Europe. His relations were shocked and wondered what would happen when his money was spent. They soon found out: he borrowed. He was so charming that nobody could refuse him. Very often he turned to George. Once or twice he gave Tom considerable sums so that he could make a fresh start. On these Tom bought a motor-car and some jeweller}'. But when George washed his hands of him, Tom began to blackmail him. It was not nice for a respectable lawyer to find his brother shaking cocktails behind the bar of his favourite res­ taurant or driving a taxi. So George paid again.

For twenty years Tom gambled, danced, ate in the most expensive restaurants and dressed beautifully. Though he was forty-six he looked not more than thirty-five. He had high spirits and incredible charm. Tom Ramsay knew everyone and everyone knew him. You couldn't help liking him.

Poor George, only a year older than his brother, looked sixty. He had never taken more than a fortnight's holiday in the year. He was in his office every morning at nine-thirty and never left it till six. He was honest and industrious. He had a good wife and four daughters to whom he was the best of fathers. His plan was to retire at fifty-five to a little house in the country. His life was blameless. He was glad that he was growing old because Tom was growing old, too. He used to say: "It was all well when Tom was young and good-looking. In four years he'll be fifty. He won't find life so easy then. I shall have

thirty thousand pounds by the time I'm fifty. We shall see what is really best to work or to be idle."

Poor George! I sympathized with him. I wondered now what else Tom had done. George was very much upset. I was prepared for the worst. George could hardly speak. "A few weeks ago," he said, "Tom became engaged to a woman old enough to be his mother. And now she has died and left him everything she had: half a million pounds, a yacht, a house in London and a house in the country. It is not fair, I tell you, it isn't fair!"

I couldn't help it. I burst into laughter as I looked at George's face, I nearly fell the floor. George never forgave me. But Tom often asks me to dinners in his charming house and if he sometimes borrows money from me, it is simply from force of habit.

Answer thefollowing questions.

1.Who are the main characters of the story?

2.What sort of family were the Ramsays?

3.Why was Tom considered a black sheep?

4.What was the difference between the brothers' way of live? Who is an ant and who is a grasshopper in the story?

5.Tom's life was pleasure and entertainment. George's life was honesty and labour. Is the end of the story fair?

6.Who is your sympathy with?

7.Why couldn't people help liking Tom?

8.Do you think each is rewarded according to his deeds?

9.Why, then, should people still follow the moral principles of human society?

Character Or Appearance?

What is more important in a person: his character or his appearance? Most often you will hear that both are. Many people say that beauty is a harmonious combination of outward appearance and high moral qualities. Others think that character is the main thing, and there is an old English saying "Judge not according to the appearance". The importance of character is also expressed in the following lines written many years ago.

When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; When health is lost, something is lost; When character is lost, all is lost.

Appearance And Character

Smallface

You don't enjoy people intruding into your personal life and invading your privacy. Reflective and intelligent, you are a passionate but firm personality, although you find these two traits in conflict at times. A tendency to be cautious means you don't trust too easily, but you do value a circle of close friends and family members.

Ovalface

A good decision-maker, you have strength of character, lots of energy, and usually finish what you start. Affectionate and outgoing by nature, you can be a bit gullible.

Squareface

You expect a lot from other people, but give as much in return. You're stubborn, strong-willed and quick to learn, but your staying power runs out when you lose interest. Highly sensitive to criticism, you're aggressive under pressure.

Thinface

You don’t suffer fools gladly and have a great sense of humour. Energetic but able to balance action with thought, you're not one who follows the crowd. You enjoy competition in the love stakes and opt for a partner who's companionable as well as attractive.

Heart-shaped

Practical rather than a thinker, you have a degree of charm that can be devastating. Your romantic judgement can sometimes let you down, though. You appear placid and cool in most situations, but this hides a quick temper when crossed. Relationship may suffer if your partner can't live up to your high expectations.

Broadface

A strong sense of your own importance means you like to be taken seriously by friends. You can be kind and sympathetic, but won't waste it on those you feel don’t deserve it. Affectionate and loving rather than passionate, yours is an energetic and intelligent nature with optimism high on your list of the important things in life.

Roundface

Short and round shows you're slightly erratic and romantic. You're positive about your own aims and an excellent host with close friends.

You prefer mental activity to physical and there's a lazy streak that comes out now and then if you don't check yourself.

RENDERING

Render thefollowing text into English.

Рекомендательные письма

Один джентльмен подал объявление о том, что ему нужен помощник в офисе. Около пятидесяти юношей ответили на рекламу. Джентльмен выбрал одного, осталь­ ным отказал.

Его друг спросил: «Хотел бы я знать, на каком основании ты выбрал этого юношу. Ведь у него не было ни одной рекомендации».

«Ты ошибаешься, - сказал джентльмен, - их было много». Он вытер ноги, когда вошел, закрыл за собой дверь. Ясно, что он аккуратен и любит порядок. Он немед­ ленно уступил место старому человеку, показывая, что он добр и предупредителен. Он снял шляпу, когда вошел, и отвечал на мои вопросы быстро и уважительно, пока­ зывая, что он вежлив. К тому же его ответы были разумными и толковыми, что гово­ рит о его компетентности. Он поднял книгу, которую я намеренно положил на пол до этого, и положил ее на стол, тогда как все остальные перешагивали через нее. Это по­ казывает, что он внимателен и не любит беспорядок. Он спокойно ждал своей очере­ ди, что говорит о том, что он скромен, терпелив и воспитан. Когда я говорил с ним, я видел, что его одежда чистая, волосы причесаны, зубы белые. Когда он писал своё имя, я заметил, что у него чистые ноши. Разве ты не назовёшь все эти вещи рекомен­ дательными письмами? То, что я могу увидеть собственными глазами за десять ми­ нут, стоит больше, чем все рекомендательные письма, которые ты можешь принести с собой».

DISCUSSION

1.What kind of person will never attract your attention?

2.What people are often lonely?

3.What are the essential factors that help to mould a person’s character: background and environment; friends; education; cultural standards; circumstances?

TEST YOURSELF

Do You See Yourself As Others See You?

It's no good looking into the mirror if you want to see who you really are. The only real test is to see yourself in the same way as other people see you. The following quiz has been psychologically developed to help you do exactly that. It's also often used by the Human Relations Departments at many major corporations today. It helps them get a better understanding of their potential employees.

1.When do you feel your best?

(a) in the morning;

(b) during the afternoon and early evening;

(c) late at night.

2.You usually walk:

(a)quite fast, with long steps;

(b)quite fast, but with short, quick steps;

(c)not very fast, with your head up, looking at the world;

(d)not very fast, with your head down;

(e)very slowly.

3. When talking to people, do you:

(a)stand with your arms folded?

(b)stand with your hands together in front of you?

(c)stand with one or both your hands on your hips?

(d)touch the person you are talking to?

(e)touch your ear or chin or smooth your hair?

(f)have something like a pen or a cigarette in you hands?

4.When relaxing, you sit with:

(a)your knees bent with your legs together;

(b)your legs crossed;

(c)your legs stretched out and straight out in front of you;

(d) one leg curled up under you.

5. When something really amuses you, you react with:

(a)a loud, appreciative laugh;

(b)a laugh, but not a loud one;

(c)a quiet soft laugh, under your breath;

(d)a big smile;

(e)a sheepish smile.

6.When you go to a party or social gathering, do you:

(a)make a loud entrance so everyone notices you?

(b)walk in quietly looking for someone you know?

(c)hope that nobody will see you walking in, so you can remain unnoticed?

7.When you are interrupted while you are working hard, concentrating on something,

do you

(a)welcome the break?

(b)feel extremely irritated?

(c)feel neither of these reactions very strongly?

8.Which of the following colours do you like most of all?

(a)red or orange;

(b)black;

(c)yellow or light blue;

(d)green;

(e)dark blue or purple;

(f)white;

(g)brown or grey.

9. Just before you go to sleep, when you are in bed at night, do you lie:

(a)flat out on your back?

(b)stretched out face down on your stomach?

(c)on your side, slightly curled?

(d)with your head under one arm?

(e)with your head under the covers?

10.Do you often dream that you are:

(a)falling?

(b)fighting or struggling?

(c)looking for something or somebody?

(d)flying or floating?

(e)Do you dream rarely?

(f)Are your dreams always pleasant?

Points:

1 . (a) 2 (b) 4					(c)	6
2.	(a) 6 (b) 4				(c)	7	(d ) 2		(e)	1
3.	(a) 4		(b) 2		(C) 5(dX 7				(e) 6 (f)l
4.	(a)	4	(b)	6	(C) 2 (d )			1
5.	(a)	6	(b)	4	(C) 3		(d )	5	(e)	2

6.(a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2

7.(a) 6 (b) 2 (C) 4

8. (a) 6 (b) 7 (C) 5 (d ) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 ( g ) l

9.(a) 7 (b) 6 (C) 4 (d ) 2 ( e ) l

10.(a) 4 (b) 2 (C) 3 (d ) 5 (e) 6 (f)l

Now add the total number ofpoints and read the interpretations.

Over 60 points: Others see you as somebody they should "handle with care". You're seen as vain, self-centred and extremely dominant. They may admire you, fishing they could be more like you, but they don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.

From 51 to 60 points: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions (though not always the right ones). They see you as bold and venturesome, someone who will try anything - well, almost anything - once; someone who takes a chance and enjoys adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.

From 41 to 50 points: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, and always interesting; someone who’s constantly in the centre of attention, but at the same time well-balanced not to let it go to your head. They also see you as kind, considerate and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

From 31 to 40 points: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful and practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to the friends you do make and who expects the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but, equally, that it takes you a long time to get over it if that trust is shaken.

From 21 to 30 points: Your friends see you as meticulous and painstaking, perhaps a bit too fussy at times, ultra-cautious and ultracareful... A slow and steady plodder. It'd really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment.

They expect you to examine everything very carefully from every angle and then, usually, decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature and partly by indolence.

Under 21 points: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions and who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything. They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don’t exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.

Are You A Thrill Seeker?

Choose the alternative that best describes your likes or dislikes, or the way youfeel.

1a) I sometimes like to do things that are a little frightening.

b)Sensible people avoid dangerous activities.

c)I love being terrified!

2 a) I enter cold water gradually, giving myself time to get used to it.

b)It's fun to dive or jump right into the ocean or a cold pool.

c)I won't go in the water unless it's very warm.

3a) When I go on holiday, I want a decent room and a bed at least.

b)I like going camping and doing without the conveniences of everyday life.

c)I expect a bit of luxury on holiday.

4a) My friends are pretty crazy.

b)I prefer calm, conventional people.

c)I like having a mix of friends of all different types.

5a) I think it would be really exciting to do a parachute jump.

b)Jumping out of a plane, with or without a parachute, is crazy.

c)I'd consider doing a parachute jump if I had proper training.

6a) I think it would be fim to be hypnotised.

b)I wouldn't mind being hypnotised by a professional.

c)I would hate to be in the power of a hypnotist.

7a) People who ride motorbikes must have some kind of unconscious desire to hurt

themselves.

b)Riding a motorbike at high speed is one of the most exciting things you can do.

c)Motorbikes are just another means of transport.

Scoring

Add up your total and see if the person described below sounds like you:

1 a) 1 b) 0 c) 2

2a) 1 b) 2 c) 0

3a) 1 b) 2 c) 0

4a) 2 b) 0 с) 1

5a) 2 b) 0 с) 1

6a) 2 b) 1 c) 0

7a) 0 b) 2 с) 1

1-3. Very low on thrill-seeking. You like your comfort above all else. You'll do everything possible to avoid dangerous or unpredictable situations. Why not try taking a risk now and then? You might surprise yourself!

4-6. You are cautious and sensible at all times. You occasionally think about breaking out of your normal routine, but you don't generally go through with it. Why not do something different and more exciting with a friend?

7-10. You seem to have found a very good balance between healthy excitement and unnecessary risk. You give yourself challenges which make you an interesting person to know.

11-14. The ultimate thrill-seeker. You're a bit of a wild one! Watch out though that you don't start taking stupid or dangerous risks just for the buzz. Remember it can be addictive!

WRITING

Comment on thefollowing proverbs:

1.The leopard cannot change its spots.

2.Fortune favours the fools.

3.The weakest goes to the wall.

4.Each bird loves to hear himself sing.

5.Velvet paws hide sharp claws.