Section 140
The Three Tradesmen explained simply
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Original excerpt
Excerpt preview
The citizens of a certain city were debating about the best material to use in the fortifications which were about to be erected for the greater security of the town. A Carpenter got up and advised the use of wood, which he said was readily procurable and easily worked. A Stone-mason objected to wood on the ground that...
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Public-domain original
The citizens of a certain city were debating about the best material
to use in the fortifications which were about to be erected for the
greater security of the town. A Carpenter got up and advised the use
of wood, which he said was readily procurable and easily worked. A
Stone-mason objected to wood on the ground that it was so inflammable,
and recommended stones instead. Then a Tanner got on his legs and
said, "In my opinion there's nothing like leather."
Every man for himself.
Public-domain original text shown for study context.
What happens here
A city asks which tradesman is most useful for defense.
Why this scene matters
This fable shows how people argue for the value of their own work.
Characters in this scene
- Three Tradesmen: A central figure in the fable’s conflict and lesson.
Simple story version
Different tradesmen explain why their craft matters most to the city. Each sees public need through his own trade.