The Birds, the Beasts and the Bat, a tale by Aesop, a Greek slave who lived some 2,500 years ago is still timeless today.  I have several collections Aesop’s tales and I’ll be sharing some more of my favorites. I hope you enjoy thinking about them as much as I do. 

Long ago a war broke out between the birds and the beasts of the earth. For a long while, the battle was uncertain for both sides. The bat, taking advantage of the fact that he had characteristics of both birds and beasts, spent time flying back and forth between both sides, sharing his observations. 

The bat would fly with the birds discussing their strategies. Soon they said: “Come help us,” but the bat said, “I cannot. I am a beast.” 

Later some of the animals asked him to join their side, after he shared some gossip about the birds’ plans, but the bat said, “I cannot join you, I am a bird.”

In due course, the embattled birds and beasts decided they preferred peace and they so negotiated a treaty.

Upon the end of the war, the bat few up to celebrate with the birds, but the birds gave him a cold shoulder and flew away.

The beasts greeted him the same ways.

Condemned by both sides, acknowledged by neither, the unhappy bat was obliged to sulk away, living in holes and corners, never to show his face except for twilight.

The Moral: Those who play both sides against the middle winds up friendless. 

I’m @DianGriesel aka a perception analyst & strategist; creative attitude disrupter & adjuster; author of The Silver Disobedience Playbook & TurboCharged: The Silver Disobedience Edition; and the blogger & model known as @SilverDisobedience  More info on my websites (search my name) and at Wilhelmina Models. Silver Disobedience® is a Registered Trademark.