From the story of Noah in the Quran and Bible to Utnapishtim in the Epic of Gilgamesh , humanity has been telling the same dramatic story for thousands of years: the world ends… and a few survive. But here’s the twist: this isn’t just a Middle Eastern idea. In India, Manu is warned of a great flood and builds a boat to preserve life. In ancient Persia, Yima creates a protected sanctuary to survive a deadly winter. In China, Yu the Great doesn’t escape disaster; he solves it, controlling floods through sheer effort and innovation. Travel across the globe, and the pattern continues. Indigenous American stories speak of floods that reset the world, like the tale of Nanabozho recreating land with the help of animals. In Australia, the Rainbow Serpent shapes rivers and landscapes through powerful floods. So why do these stories exist everywhere? Some scholars point to real ancient disasters - massive floods, rising seas, or climate events that left a deep ...
A scrawny jackal stumbled upon a puddle of paint and, after rolling around in it, emerged covered in bright colors: red on one side, yellow on the other, with white paws, a green tail, and a blue chest. Admiring himself, he fancied he looked more magnificent than a peacock.
Proud and conceited, he returned to his pack, strutting among his fellow jackals with an air of superiority. The others, unimpressed, asked, “What’s with these colors? You’re just a plain jackal like the rest of us. Why this sudden arrogance?” Ignoring their remarks, the painted jackal declared himself a divine creation, more glorious than any jackal.
One jackal approached and asked, “Are you trying to deceive us or make us jealous? Either way, none of us are impressed. You’ll soon reveal your true colors.” But the painted jackal, still full of pride, responded, “Behold my dazzling beauty! Kneel before my majesty. I’m no jackal; I’m an exquisite peacock, as luminous as Jupiter!”
The jackals, seeing through his delusion, replied, “If you’re a peacock, let’s hear your song.” Flustered, the painted jackal admitted he couldn’t sing. The jackals burst into laughter and left him alone, shaking their heads at his folly.
Lessons for the Corporate/Workplace World
Don’t Let Superficial Changes Fool You: Just like the jackal’s paint didn’t change his nature, flashy presentations or surface-level changes won’t cover a lack of substance. Authenticity and consistent competence matter more.
Avoid Overestimating Yourself: Confidence is vital, but overconfidence or arrogance can alienate colleagues. Recognize your strengths without dismissing others.
True Value Lies in Actions, Not Appearances: The jackal couldn’t sing like a peacock despite his colorful appearance. In the workplace, it’s your skills and results, not just appearances or titles, that earn respect.
Respect Your Team: The painted jackal lost the goodwill of his pack through arrogance. Similarly, success in a team depends on mutual respect and humility, not looking down on others.
Reality Will Catch Up: The jackal’s façade fell apart when asked to perform. In professional settings, exaggerated claims or misrepresentations will eventually be exposed.
Check also: Corporate Wisdom: What We Can Learn From the Clever Bird's Scheme
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