# The Three Tradesmen explained — Aesop's Fables

> Chapter companion for Aesop's Fables by Aesop.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> Every man for himself.

Each person acts in their own self-interest.

_Summarizes the moral of the fable._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters/the-three-tradesmen
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fables_se/chapters