The Tale of Three Cockroaches: A Lesson in Risk, Wisdom, and Survival

Written by: Tonmoy Sarkar Ujjol & Writing Team at PoriPurno.com
In a quiet village, three hungry cockroaches once approached a kind-hearted farmer, pleading for food. Moved by their request, the farmer generously offered them bread and cheese. The cockroaches ate to their fill and even saved some for their families.
After the meal, the farmer made them an unexpected offer.
“Listen, my cockroach friends,” he said warmly. “Instead of begging for food, I can offer you jobs on my farm. You’ll receive fair wages, meals, and safety for your families.”
Curious and eager, the cockroaches asked,
“What kind of work will we do, and how much will we be paid?”
The farmer explained that there were four job options:
- Feeding the chickens – 3,000 BDT/month
- Peeling and chopping garlic – 5,000 BDT/month
- Chasing away lizards from the farm – 4,000 BDT/month
- Singing and dancing for the goats – just 250 BDT/month
Excited by the prospects, the first cockroach exclaimed,
“I’ll take the 5,000 BDT job! I’ll handle the garlic!”
The second quickly said,
“I’ll go with the 4,000 BDT role! I’ll deal with the lizards!”
Surprisingly, the third cockroach paused and then softly said,
“I’ll take the 250 BDT job. I’ll sing and dance for the goats.”
The other two stared at him in disbelief, thinking,
“What a fool! Why would anyone choose the lowest-paying job?”
The next morning, all three cockroaches reported for duty. But tragedy struck—within hours, the first and second cockroaches died during their tasks.
Shocked, the farmer called the surviving third cockroach and asked,
“Why did you choose the lowest-paying job?”
The cockroach took a deep breath and replied wisely:
“First, chickens love to eat cockroaches—so why would I risk feeding them?
Second, garlic’s pungent odor is toxic to us cockroaches—why would I peel it?
Third, lizards are our natural predators—why would I fight them?
I chose safety over salary. I’d never put my life in danger just for money.”
Moral Lessons from the Tale
- Risk Assessment Over Salary
Choosing a job based solely on high pay without evaluating the risks involved can be fatal. The first two cockroaches ignored this—and paid the price. - Understanding Personal Limitations
Each creature has its own natural weaknesses. The third cockroach acknowledged the threats posed by chickens, garlic, and lizards, and acted wisely. - Resisting Temptation
Blind pursuit of money or opportunity without considering consequences is dangerous. Prioritizing safety and sustainability is wiser. - Thinking Critically
Every decision should be analyzed deeply. The third cockroach evaluated the work environment and long-term impact before making a choice. - Independent Judgment
Decisions should be based on logic, not peer pressure or public opinion. The so-called “fool” proved to be the wisest of all. - Respecting Nature’s Order
Every species has natural predators and vulnerabilities. Ignoring these realities invites disaster. - Being Responsible
Even seemingly simple job offers come with hidden dangers. A responsible approach requires understanding all aspects before committing.
Conclusion
When making life decisions, don’t focus only on immediate rewards. Consider long-term consequences, personal well-being, and practical realities. True wisdom lies in choosing survival and balance over short-term gain.
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