The FRUGAL ANT and the SPENDTHRIFT RABBIT

There was once an ant who was so dedicated to saving that he worked so hard to earn more than enough for his daily needs and a surplus for savings. Antonio ant saved so much that he didn’t seem to spend any of his earnings for any simple recreation. He also worked so hard that he didn’t have time to check up on his health.

One day while Antonio ant was carrying a load of food on his back to bring to his storage room, Ribba rabbit saw him. Ribba has noticed that Antonio has been putting much effort to saving for the future. She talked to him, trying to encourage the poor ant to simply enjoy life and not think too much about his future. But Antonio reasoned that he has to save up for a variety of purpose. Other than for contingencies, he has to save up for speculative purposes. He also has to save up for his future life, the kind of life wherein he would have his own family to feed and nourish not only physically but mentally as well. Ribba rabbit, being wastrel, tried to convince him that life is short and that as they grow older, they would miss out on certain opportunities that are available only during their youth. She said that they have to seize the moment and not really plan so much about the future as to stop living a blissful life now. But Antonio ant insisted on the importance of saving. And so the conversation ended without making any difference as when it was first began.

A week after, rain poured so much so that news spread out that there’s going to be thunder and lightning and that a storm is on its way. As a result, none of the species are able to go out of their homes for so long.

Antonio ant was in the house with all the food surrounding him. He could have lasted had it not been for his weakened body. He tried hard to eat and gather up strength but he could only do as far as try as his health has already failed him.

Ribba rabbit, on the other hand, was at home with nothing to eat and nothing to spend. Hunger strikes and it didn’t take long before his eyes rolled up and just like ant, he too was not able to last the weather.