A farmer who had a quarrelsome family called his sons and…
“A farmer who had a quarrelsome family called his sons and told them to lay a bunch of sticks before him. Then, after laying the sticks parallel to one another and binding them, he challenged his sons, one after one, to pick up the bundle and break it. They all tried, but in vain. Then, untying the bundle, he gave them the sticks to break one by one. This they did with the greatest ease. Then said the father, "Thus, my sons, as long as you remain united, you are a match for anything, but differ and separate, and you are undone".”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Unity makes a group strong; division makes it weak.
In simple terms: Together strong, apart weak.
Key Takeaway
Stay united.
Themes
unity
strength
family
Mood
instructive
timeless
Type
moral
lesson
When to use this quote
- family disputes
- team projects
- community building
- political alliances
- social movements
Key Concepts
collective power
cooperation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you foster unity?
- What risks come from too much conformity?
A Different Perspective
Individual strength can still matter in some contexts.