Once upon a time there were 14 cows whose leader was a fat, brockle-faced Hereford.  Brockle-face was always the first to the hay every morning, and staked out her spot over the choicest feed, snorting threateningly through her nose at any other cows that might try to intrude upon her space.  She was the boss, and the others unquestioningly followed her leadership.

One day when the man that fed them pulled into the field, the cows were in a corner of another field higher up on a hill.  The two cows nearest the gate simply walked through, came down into the lower field, and were busy eating hay before the rest of the cows even reached the gate.  Brockle-face hurried to get to the hay.  She chose to go through a gate farther on which would necessitate a long half-mile hike down and around by a circuitous route, through a lower gate, and back up to the hay.  The cows following her didn’t question her leadership, and also passed the first gate.

The young cow that was last in line paused at the first gate, and looked directly at her two friends who were already eating hay.  The man watched her, wondering if she would be able to think the situation through, and act independently.  For a whole minute the young cow struggled with the decision, then turned her head, and dully followed the rest of the herd.

Application:

Those who can’t think for themselves,

had best choose smart companions.

23 March 2012