The Flea and the Man

Summary

This story presents a brief fable about a Man and a Flea, highlighting themes of annoyance, justice, and proportionality in punishment. The Man, frustrated by the Flea's bites, eventually captures it and questions its impudence in bothering him. The Flea pleads for mercy, arguing that its impact is minimal and not truly harmful. However, the Man insists that no form of evil, no matter how insignificant, should be tolerated, and he resolves to kill the Flea. This interaction explores the moral lesson that even small harms should be addressed, emphasizing a perspective that strict adherence to justice and intolerance of any wrongdoing is crucial. The fable encourages readers to reflect on the nature of justice and the importance of addressing issues, regardless of their perceived magnitude.

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A Man, very much annoyed with a Flea, caught him at last, and said, “Who are you who dare to feed on my limbs, and to cost me so much trouble in catching you?” The Flea replied, “O my dear sir, pray spare my life, and destroy me not, for I cannot possibly do you much harm.” The Man, laughing, replied, “Now you shall certainly die by mine own hands, for no evil, whether it be small or large, ought to be tolerated.”