Tale of the Deaf Frog

in three versions

Three young frogs, who were as yet unwise about the ways of the world, were out one day exploring their environment. They came to a dairy farm and entered the barn. finding a pail half filled with fresh milk. Not knowing what it was, and being a little too curious and somewhat careless, two of them jumped right into it. Splash! As they swam about attempting to reach the top of the pail, they found that the sides of the pail were too high and steep to reach.

The third frog, being more timid, only jumped onto the top rim of the bucket. He looked down at his two comrades struggling below to jump out of a white substance. After some failed attempts, he shouted down to them, "You’ll never make it. Face facts and prepare to die!"

But since self-preservation is the first rule of life for humans and animals alike, they continued to struggle for as long as possible. The frog on top continued to shout down, “You’ll never make it. Give up and die peacefully.” Unfortunately, one of the two struggling frogs did not continue and disappeared below the surface never to be seen again.

The one remaining frog was determined not to give up, and he continued to struggle despite the discouragement of his comrade on top of the bucket. He kicked and squirmed and kicked and squirmed until, at last, all his churning about in the milk had turned the cream on top into a big hunk of butter, which was solid enough for him to climb onto and get out of the pail!

When rejoined by his comrade, he thanked him profusely for all the encouragement he shouted down to him. He would never have made it without his help. The frog who survived was deaf.

Version 2: Two Frogs That Fell Into a Pit

Unwilling to accept this terrible fate, the two frogs tried with all of their might to jump out of the pit. The other frogs shouted into the pit that it was hopeless, and that they wouldn't be in that situation if they had been more careful, more obedient to the froggy rules, and more responsible. They continued shouting that they should save their energy and give up, since they were already as good as dead.

But the two frogs continued jumping as hard as they could and became quite weary. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to the calls of his fellows. Spent and disheartened, he quietly resolved himself to his fate, lay down at the bottom of the pit, and died as the others looked on in helpless grief.

The other frog continued to jump with every ounce of energy he had, although his body was wracked with pain and he was completely exhausted. Once again, the crowd of frogs started  yelling for him to accept his fate, stop the pain and just die. The weary frog jumped harder and harder and—wonder of wonders—finally leapt so high that he sprang from the pit. Amazed, the other frogs celebrated his miraculous freedom and then, gathering around him asked, “Why did you continue jumping when we told you it was impossible?”

Reading their lips, the astonished frog explained to them that he was deaf, and that when he saw their gestures and shouting, he thought they were cheering him on. What he had perceived as encouragement inspired him to try harder and to succeed against all odds.

Version 3: Two Frogs Climbing a Tower

A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants. The race began. No one in the crowd really believed the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower.

The tiny frogs began collapsing, one by one—except for those who, in a fresh tempo, were climbing higher and higher. The crowd continued to yell, “It is too difficult! No one will make it!”

Always stay positive and focused. Be DEAF when people tell you that you cannot reach your goal or fulfill your dreams! Continually remind yourself, “I can do this.”