The North Wind approached the Sun and said, “Everyone praises you, saying how good and powerful you are, as if the world can’t go on without you. I’m not convinced. I want to challenge you to prove that I’m stronger!”
Although the Sun replied that fame isn’t worth bothering about, the North Wind insisted. He said, “There’s a traveler over there on the road. Whoever can make him take off his cloak will prove to be the stronger one!”
The Sun agreed reluctantly.
The North Wind thought, “I’m sure to win this time. All I need to do is blow, and even trees lose their bark—how much easier it will be to blow off a single cloak!”
With a loud howl, the North Wind blew out a huge gust.
The cold wind roared, and the traveler’s cloak flapped wildly, nearly getting torn away.
But he immediately pulled his cloak tighter around him.
Seeing this, the North Wind blew even harder. The traveler held his cloak even tighter.
Angered, the North Wind blew several more gusts, each stronger than the last, hoping to tear the cloak away.
But each time, the traveler only held his cloak more tightly around himself.
Finally, the North Wind was exhausted and had to give up.
Then it was the Sun’s turn.
Gently, the Sun let his rays shine down on the traveler.
Seeing that the cold wind had stopped and the Sun had come out, the traveler relaxed his grip on his cloak and continued on his way.
The Sun shone even more brightly, making the traveler feel warmer and warmer until he was a bit too hot.
“What beautiful weather!” he said with a smile, as he took off his cloak.
This story shows that gentle persuasion is more effective than forceful power.
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