Aesop's Fables · Chapter
The Three Tradesmen explained
Citizens debate the best material for town fortifications; a carpenter recommends wood, a stonemason advocates stone, and a tanner insists on leather, each promoting their own trade.
What happens
Citizens debate the best material for town fortifications; a carpenter recommends wood, a stonemason advocates stone, and a tanner insists on leather, each promoting their own trade.
Themes in this chapter
Human Nature and Vice
Each tradesman advocates for his own material, revealing self-interest and narrow-mindedness.
Wisdom and Foolishness
The lack of objective consideration for the common good demonstrates foolishness in decision-making.
Characters to notice
- The Carpenter
Advises using wood for fortifications, citing its availability and ease of working.
- The Stonemason
Objects to wood due to its flammability and recommends stone instead.
- The Tanner
Promotes leather as the best material for fortifications, reflecting self-interest.
Key passages
“Every man for himself.”
Each person acts in their own self-interest.
Summarizes the moral of the fable.