We should rely primarily on our own efforts in matters that concern ourselves alone.
A lark had built her nest in a field of corn that ripened before her young were able to fly. Fearing for their safety, she instructed them to listen carefully if they heard any talk about reaping the field while she was out searching for food. Upon her return, they told her that the farmer and his son had visited and planned to ask their neighbors to help them cut the corn the next day. “Ah, they are depending on their neighbors,” said the mother. “In that case, we have no reason to worry about tomorrow.”
The next day, she left the same instructions before going out. When she returned, they reported that the farmer and his son had come again. As none of their neighbors had shown up, they decided to ask their friends and relations for help the next day. “It seems we can stay another day,” said the mother, “but remember to listen closely to what they say in my absence.”
The following day, the young larks informed her that the farmer and his son had returned a third time and, realizing that neither friends nor relations had heeded their call, decided to reap the corn themselves the next morning. “Well then,” said the lark, “it is time to move. Now that they rely on themselves to do the work, it will surely be done.”
