The North Wind and the Sun
One afternoon, high up in the blue sky, the North Wind and the Sun were having a big argument. The North Wind was feeling very boastful. "I am the strongest!" he shouted, blowing a cold blast of air. The Sun just smiled a warm, golden smile. "I think being gentle is stronger," she said softly.
Just then, they saw a Traveller walking down a dusty road. He was wearing a thick, heavy coat. "Let's have a contest!" the North Wind challenged. "Whoever can make that man take off his coat is the strongest." The Sun agreed and hid behind a fluffy white cloud to let the Wind go first.
The North Wind took a huge breath and blew as hard as he could. Whoosh! Puff! Blow! He tried to whistle the coat right off the man's shoulders. But the harder the Wind blew, the tighter the man grabbed his coat. He pulled it close to his chin and even did up all his buttons. The Wind grew angry and blew a freezing gale, but the man just hugged himself and shivered. Finally, the North Wind was out of breath. He gave up with a tired huff.
Then, the Sun stepped out from behind the cloud. She didn't shout, and she didn't blow. She just shone. Slowly and surely, she sent down her warm, golden beams. The air began to feel lovely and cozy. The Traveller stopped shivering. He unbuttoned his coat. As the Sun grew a little brighter and warmer, the man said, "My, it has turned into a beautiful day!" He felt so warm and comfortable that he took off his coat, laid it over his arm, and sat down under a tree to rest.
The Sun looked at the North Wind and smiled. She didn't have to say a word. The Wind realised that while he was very loud and very strong, the Sun's quiet warmth was the winner. And from that day on, the Wind remembered that a gentle touch is often the strongest power of all.
