The Oxen and the Creaking Axle
On a hot day two strong oxen pulled a heavy cart. On the cart there were big bales of straw. The oxen worked up the steep hill in silence. They gave all their strength and carried the heavy load. The oxen went on without one complaint.
Just then the wooden axle of the cart began to creak. The axle groaned very loudly: creak, creak! It shouted like the carrier of the heaviest load. The noise rang through the whole valley. The oxen stopped and looked back at the axle.
One strong ox called out to the creaking axle. "We pull all the heavy load," he said. "We sweat and we work," he said. "Why do you make so much noise?" he asked. The axle went silent from shame. The oxen climbed the hill quietly and walked on.
They saw the truth: the loudest ones work the least.
Empty vessels make the most sound.