The Young Crab and His Mother from Aesop’s Fables with a list of new vocabulary for pre-intermediate students of English and young learners with a podcast
The text has been adopted from Gutenberg Project at www.gutenberg.org
“Why in the world do you walk sideways like that?” said a mother crab to her son. “You should always walk straight forward with your toes turned out.”
“Show me how to walk, mother dear,” answered the little crab obediently, “I want to learn.”
So the old crab tried and tried to walk straight forward. But she could walk sideways only, like her son. And when she wanted to turn her toes out, she tripped and fell on her nose.
Do not tell others how to act unless you can set a good example.
Lead by example.
Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
New words and expressions
- Sideways: indirect, not straight
- Straight forward: in a direct path
- Toe: any of the movable parts at the end of the foot
- Obediently: doing as told, respectfully
- To trip: to hit something on the ground with your foot and fall or almost fall, stumble
This story suggests that before you advise others on how to behave or act, you should first make sure you are practicing what you preach. In other words, your actions should align with your words. If you want others to follow certain behaviors, you need to demonstrate those behaviors yourself.
Exactly! The Young Crab and His Mother teaches an important lesson about leading by example. The mother crab tells her child to walk straight, yet she herself cannot do so. This fable reminds us that words alone are not enough—our actions must reflect the advice we give to others. If we want to inspire change or good behavior, we must first embody those qualities ourselves. Great insight, and thanks for sharing your perspective!