Aesop

The Cock and the Jewel

Summary

The story is a fable about a rooster who finds a precious gem while searching for food. Despite the jewel’s value, the rooster expresses its lack of utility to him, stating he would prefer a simple barleycorn, essential for sustenance, over any riches. This tale highlights the theme of practical value versus inherent value, emphasizing that usefulness and personal needs can outweigh the allure of wealth or luxury. It serves as a reminder that what is precious to one might be of no use to another, and understanding value depends on individual needs and circumstances.

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A cock, scratching for food for himself and his hens, found a precious stone and exclaimed: “If your owner had found thee, and not I, he would have taken thee up, and have set thee in thy first estate; but I have found thee for no purpose. I would rather have one barleycorn than all the jewels in the world.”

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