The Peasant and the Apple Tree

A peasant had in his garden an apple tree that bore no fruit, but only served as a perch for the sparrows and grasshoppers. He resolved to cut it down and, taking his axe in hand, made a bold stroke at its roots. The grasshoppers and sparrows entreated him not to cut down the tree that sheltered them, but to spare it, and they would sing to him and lighten his labors.

The peasant paid no attention to their request, but gave the tree a second and a third blow with his axe. When he reached the hollow of the tree, he found a hive full of honey. Having tasted the honeycomb, he threw down his axe and, looking on the tree as sacred, took great care of it.

Self interest alone moves some men.