北风与太阳

A long time ago, high in the vast blue sky, a noisy argument began between the North Wind and the Sun. Each of them claimed to be far stronger and more powerful than the other. The North Wind was very proud and boastful. He blew out his cold cheeks and shouted loudly: "I am the true master of the sky! With one big breath, I can break giant trees, create huge waves on the ocean, and freeze wide rivers into hard ice! Nobody on Earth can stand against my power!"

The Sun smiled gently with warm golden light and replied: "True strength is not about shouting, anger, or rough force, my friend. Real power can be gentle, patient, and kind. The warm light of my sunshine gives life to all the green plants, bright flowers, and living animals on Earth."

The North Wind laughed scornfully at the Sun's peaceful words. "Gentleness? Kindness? That is just weak!" he roared. "Let us have a contest to decide once and for all who is truly the strongest! Look down at that dusty country road. Do you see that traveler walking alone?"

The Sun looked down from the sky and saw a lonely traveler walking along the road. The man was wearing a thick, heavy woolen coat around his shoulders to protect himself from the autumn cold. "I see him clearly," the Sun answered with a calm nod.

"Here are the rules of our contest," proposed the North Wind with a confident grin. "Whichever one of us can force that traveler to take off his heavy coat first will be the undisputed champion of the sky! Do you agree?" "I agree completely," said the Sun politely. "Since you proposed the challenge, you may go first. I will wait behind this soft white cloud while you try your strength."

The Sun hid quietly behind the cloud, leaving the sky to the North Wind. The North Wind gathered all his energy, took a deep breath, and blew a freezing blast of icy wind straight at the traveler. The storm howled loudly through the valley, tearing leaves from the branches and blowing thick dust across the road. Forest animals ran quickly into their homes to hide from the sudden storm.

The traveler felt the freezing cold attacking his body. But instead of taking off his coat, the man pulled the thick clothes tightly around his chest and fastened every button securely. Surprised and angry at this strong defense, the North Wind became furious. "How dare you fight against my storm!" he roared. He blew harder and harder, sending freezing hail and icy rain directly at the poor traveler.

The freezing gusts whipped violently around the man, trying to tear the coat from his shoulders. But the harder and colder the North Wind blew, the tighter the traveler held onto his coat with both hands. He even wrapped a thick scarf around his neck and pushed forward against the freezing storm. Finally, tired, out of breath, and deeply disappointed, the North Wind gave up. "It is impossible!" he complained. "That man is as stubborn as a rock!"

Now it was the Sun's turn. The Sun stepped out from behind the white cloud with a warm and gentle smile. He did not roar, shout, create a storm, or make any loud noise at all. Instead, he simply allowed his soft, golden beams of light to shine down upon the earth.

Slowly and quietly, the dark storm clouds disappeared, and the freezing cold melted away into the sweet, pleasant air. The warm sunshine heated the damp ground, the green trees, and the winding road. Birds began to sing happy songs in the branches, flowers opened their colorful petals, and a peaceful warmth covered the whole land.

The traveler stopped walking and lifted his face toward the bright blue sky. He felt the pleasant heat warming his cold body. Soon, sweat appeared on his forehead. As the Sun continued to shine with steady, gentle warmth, the traveler unbuttoned his collar. A few minutes later, feeling pleasantly warm and comfortable, the traveler took off his heavy coat with a happy sigh of relief and carried it loosely over his arm as he walked peacefully along his journey.

The Sun looked at the humbled North Wind and said gently: "You see, my friend, kindness and patience can accomplish what anger and force never could. Gentle words and a warm heart are always much stronger than violent storms."