Classic Stories: The North Wind and the Sun

The timeless fable of the North Wind and the Sun illustrates the superiority of gentle persuasion over brute force. During a cold winter day, the two entities engage in a contest to see who can force a traveler to remove his heavy coat. The North Wind attempts to succeed through aggression, blowing with such intensity that birds must cling to trees, yet the man only responds by pulling his garment tighter to resist the chill. In contrast, the Sun adopts a patient approach, emerging from behind clouds to radiate warmth and brightness. As the air thaws and the temperature rises, the man voluntarily unbuttons and eventually removes his coat to seek shade. This victory demonstrates that while the wind possesses physical strength, the Sun’s "gentle powers" and wisdom achieve the desired result more effectively, suggesting that taking a slower, kinder approach is often the most powerful way to influence others.