A father and his son were going to market. Their donkey was laden with the vegetables from their garden and assorted wares they were going to sell. The young son became tired and so his father lifted him up onto the donkey so that he could ride for a while. Shortly thereafter, they passed through a small hamlet where the people scorned the son for showing disrespect to his father. “Look at the son who rides while his poor hard working father who toils every day must trod along without rest.”

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The father and son were both greatly ashamed at the offense they had caused. The son alit from the donkey and his father got on. Traveling farther down the road, they encountered a group who were also heading for the market. Seeing the father riding atop the donkey, they sneered, “Look how the man rides pompously while his poor exhausted son is required to trail behind.” Again, the father and son were embarrassed by the jeers of the group.

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