The Ass and His Purchaser

Summary

This story is a fable that illustrates the idea that one can be judged based on the company they choose to keep. A man who is interested in buying an Ass decides to test the animal’s behavior by introducing it to his herd. The new Ass immediately befriends the laziest and most gluttonous Ass in the group. Observing this, the man returns the Ass to its owner, asserting that he has learned all he needs to know from the company it chose. This tale teaches a moral lesson about how one's character and future behavior can often be predicted by observing their associations and preferences. It subtly advises both children and adults to be mindful of the influences they welcome into their lives, as these can define their reputation and character.

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A Man wished to purchase an Ass, and agreed with its owner that he should try out the animal before he bought him. He took the Ass home and put him in the straw-yard with his other Asses, upon which the new animal left all the others and at once joined the one that was most idle and the greatest eater of them all. Seeing this, the man put a halter on him and led him back to his owner. On being asked how, in so short a time, he could have made a trial of him, he answered, “I do not need a trial; I know that he will be just the same as the one he chose for his companion.”