A flock of wild
geese had settled to rest on a pond. One of the flock had been captured by
a gardener, who had clipped its wings before releasing it. When the geese
started to resume their flight, this one tried frantically, but vainly, to
lift itself into the air. The others, observing his struggles, flew about
in obvious efforts to encourage him; but it was no use.
Thereupon, the entire flock settled back on the pond and waited, even
though the urge to go on was strong within them. For several days they
waited until the damaged feathers had grown sufficiently to permit the
goose to fly.
Meanwhile, the unethical gardener, having been converted by the ethical
geese, gladly watched them as they finally rose together and all resumed
their long flight.
Albert Schweitzer
