The Two Bags

From Æsop's fables:

Every man, according to ancient legend, is born into the world with two bags on his neck: a small bag in front filled with his neighbor's faults, and a large back in back filled with his own faults. Hence it is that men are quick to see the faults of others, and yet are blind to their own failings.

Here end the words of Æsop. However, I think there is plenty more to be said on the subject:

1. Consider the size of the bags as described in the fable. The small one is the bag in front, the large one over the back. Though the faults of others are the ones we immediately notice, it is our own shortcomings that are much more noticeable to any observer.

2. The position of the bags. The neck is not a very wise joint to entrust your weight to, particularly that of two bags. Whenever we become aware of a flaw, it weighs us down.

3. The cleansing from error. Of course, this consistent weight would be painful, and the simple solution is to clean out the bags. Our neighbor's bag is beyond our control, but we are free to empty ours at any time, replacing our shortcomings with success.

4. Though not visible to us, our own bag is painfully obvious toward all observers. We should recognize that toward observers, we do not look perfect, and should accept it.

That is all. Enjoy your super fable.