In her book Anger: The Misunderstood Emotion, Carol Tavris…
““In her book Anger: The Misunderstood Emotion, Carol Tavris recounts a story about a Bengali cobra that liked to bite passing villagers. One day a swami—a man who has achieved self-mastery—convinces the snake that biting is wrong. The cobra vows to stop immediately, and does. Before long, the village boys grow unafraid of the snake and start to abuse him. Battered and bloodied, the snake complains to the swami that this is what came of keeping his promise. “I told you not to bite,” said the swami,””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A promise made under moral pressure can lead to vulnerability when the environment changes, exposing the cost of suppressing natural instincts.
In simple terms: Keeping promises can backfire if circumstances shift.
Key Takeaway
Consider the context before imposing strict moral codes.
Themes
morality
vulnerability
power dynamics
Mood
reflective
cautionary
Type
ethical
psychological
When to use this quote
- education
- personal relationships
- conflict resolution
- leadership training
Key Concepts
psychology
behavioral ethics
self‑control
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the risks of forcing change without addressing underlying needs?
- How can we protect those who conform to harmful expectations?
A Different Perspective
The swami’s advice ignored the snake’s nature, leading to exploitation.