The North Wind and the Sun

High above the earth, the North Wind and the Sun often argued about which of them was stronger. Neither one would agree, and the argument continued for a long time without an answer. Each side felt certain that the truth was on his own side.

One day, they saw a traveler walking along a road far below. He wore a thick coat that kept him warm against the cold air. The Sun had an idea. "Let me suggest a contest," the Sun said. "Whoever can make that man remove his coat is the stronger one."

The North Wind agreed at once, sure that he would win easily. "Watch this," he said, and he began to blow using great force. Cold air rushed down the road and pushed hard against the traveler.

The man felt the sudden cold and pulled his coat tighter around his body. The harder the wind blew, the tighter the man held his coat, afraid that it might be torn away from him. He even bent forward to protect himself from the storm.

The North Wind blew and blew until his strength was gone, but the coat stayed firmly on the traveler. Finally, the wind became still, tired and a little embarrassed by his failure.

Now it was the turn of the Sun. Instead of blowing or pushing, the Sun simply shone down warmly on the road below. Slowly, the air around the traveler became warmer and warmer.

The man began to feel hot as he walked. He wiped his face, loosened his coat, and soon took it off completely, carrying it over his arm as he continued down the road in comfort. He even stopped to rest near a stream and enjoyed the pleasant afternoon.

The Sun turned to the North Wind and spoke gently: "Kindness often works better than force."