The Laws of Charisma

SECTION FOUR

EMPOWERING OTHERS:CONTAGIOUS COOPERATION

FABLE: THE LION AND THE MOUSE

The king of the jungle was an enormous lion who loved his power and prestige. One day, while the lion was taking a nap, a mouse walked across his back and down his leg. Outraged, he awoke and placed his large paw on the mouse.

“Who is this little mouse?” he thought. “Doesn’t he know how powerful I am and that I could squash him or eat him at anytime?” To teach the mouse a lesson, the lion began to swallow him whole.

“Pardon me, king,” said the mouse. “Please forgive me this one time. I will never do it again. Please let me go, and someday I will repay the favor.” The lion was amused that this little mouse thought he could ever repay the great and powerful king ...