Aesop's Fables · Chapter
The Prophet explained
A prophet who claims to foresee the fortunes of others fails to anticipate the theft of his own belongings, prompting onlookers to mock his lack of self-awareness.
What happens
A prophet who claims to foresee the fortunes of others fails to anticipate the theft of his own belongings, prompting onlookers to mock his lack of self-awareness.
Themes in this chapter
Appearance vs. Reality
The prophet's claimed foresight is contradicted by his inability to foresee his own misfortune.
Wisdom and Foolishness
The prophet's foolishness is exposed when he fails to apply his supposed wisdom to his own life.
Characters to notice
- The Prophet
A fortune-teller who is caught off guard by the theft of his own house.
Key passages
“Our friend professes to know what is going to happen to others, but it seems he’s not clever enough to perceive what’s in store for himself.”
The bystander points out the irony that the prophet, who claims to predict others' futures, cannot foresee his own.
Highlights the theme of appearance vs. reality.