The Caterpillar and the Snake
Long ago, beside an old forest where cool waters flowed, there lived a little caterpillar. This caterpillar walked slowly among green leaves and ate sweet fruits. Every animal in the forest loved its tiny and charming self.
However, the little caterpillar always wanted to look longer and stronger. Every morning it looked at tall trees and imagined a larger body.
On a sunny afternoon, an old snake lay down on a thick branch and fell asleep. The snake was very long and its skin sparkled brightly under the sun. The little caterpillar watched the snake's long and grand body with admiration. It said to itself, "I too must be long like him."
It immediately moved to the branch beside the snake and began stretching its body. With all its strength, it pulled itself forward and stretched out. After a while, the caterpillar began to feel great pain. Still, it did not give up and pushed itself even harder. Finally, the caterpillar's small body could no longer endure this strain. Weakened, the caterpillar rolled onto the leaf in pain.
The waking snake smiled and looked at the little caterpillar. The snake said, "Everyone has their own unique beauty." The little caterpillar regretted what it had done and accepted its own size.
Instead of trying to be like others, we should know our own worth and be ourselves. He who rides another's horse dismounts quickly.