அமைந்தாங் கொழுகான் அளவறியான் தன்னை
வியந்தான் விரைந்து கெடும்
The ant had been carrying a grain of rice and was going back to its anthill. At that moment, a centipede came near it.
‘Friend! Why are you going on your way without paying attention to me? Where you are going?’ asked the centipede.
The ant replied, ‘Friend! If I pay attention to you, I won’t be able to fulfill my duty properly,’ and continued on its way. “What is the important task you are doing right now?” asked the centipede.
Without pausing, the ant replied, “My duty is to gather the food needed for the rainy season during the hot days. If I waste my time talkingto you now, I won’t be able to accomplish my task,” and continued on its way.”
The centipede thought that the ant had insulted him by avoiding. So it took revenge on the ant to insult it.
The next day, when the ant came in the same way and blocked the path, centipede said, “Ant, Can you move quickly than me? You can never compete and win me. If you can do that, then you are a smarter one than me.” centipede told.
The ant replied, “I don’t need to talk useless things and waste time. I will do my duty.”
Centipede laughed and said to the ant, “Don’t run away! Just accept that you are not smart enough.”
In response, the ant spoke calmly, “Hey centipede, I agree that I cannot crawl as fast as you can. You are talking courageously, but there are some things that even you cannot do. That’s why we should not judge who is superior based on these challenges,” ant repeated.
Centipede replied, “Why are you trying to divert the conversation like this? You’ve learned to speak eloquently even if you don’t have any other talents.”
Without further conversation, the ant threw a small leaf in to a tank filled with water. And it jumped into the water and it managed to crawl on the leaf and came out from the water.
Looking at centipede, the ant asked, “Can you do something like this by yourself?”
At that moment, centipede realized that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses inherent in nature. He asked for forgiveness from the ant.
From then on, centipede respected the ant and became its best friend, cherishing its wisdom and strength.
He will quickly perish who, ignorant of his own resources flatters himself of his greatness, and does not live in peace with his neighbours.
