Adapted from Robert F. Mager
Once upon a time in a little drop of water, King Amoeba decided he wanted to teach his subjects how to have a better life. So he traveled far and wide throughout the Kingdom of Dropland to tell his people how to be better than they were. But nobody listened.
“Psst,” said his advisor. “First you have to get their attention. Here. Rub on this magic potion and you will get everyone’s attention.
So the king did as he was told and went out to teach his people how to be better than they were. But nobody listened. They swam away . . . and held their noses.
“Psst,” said his advisor. “You have to be sure they can hear you. Here. Shout into this megaphone and then everyone will listen.”
So the king did as he was told, and went out to spread his wisdom. But nobody listened. They swam away . . . and held their noses . . . and covered their ears.
“Psst,” said his advisor. “The people are too stupid to realize what wisdom you have to offer. You have to make them listen for their own good.”
So the king made everyone gather in the Great Solarium while he told them how to be better than they were. But when the Great Doors were opened, everybody swam away so hard and fast that before they knew it they had swum right out of Dropland. And henceforth and forevermore they were referred to as Outdroppers.
AND THE MORAL OF THIS FABLE IS . . . . . NOT TO TALK AT ONE ANOTHER.