Because you're the smart kids

Siobhan · 12-01-07 23:08:27

We really don't have many excuses anymore for not having a factual answer. Google has changed the world so quickly.

But I'm having trouble finding what I need, and as all of you people are very bright and generous, I was hoping one of you would be able to offer some assistance.

I have to refer to a story that i THOUGHT was part of Plato's parable of the cave. But I've just reread it, and it's not that one.

Who is the writer, what is the name, and where would I find a translation of the story about a group of people who all are hungry and they're being kept somewhere. somewhere. and they are given food but their hand are tied, wrist to wrist. and they are given spoons, but the handles are so long that they can't get the food in their mouths.

It's a parable about community, helping one another.

I'm on deadline and can't find it. Anyone??

Many thanks.

blissed · 12-01-07 23:57:53

"That same notion is the basis for a folktale about a man who died and went to the place of souls. He was shown a banquet hall, where tables were loaded down with rich food. He was certain he had gone to heaven. At the ringing of a dinner bell, the inhabitants of that place rushed into the room. But all had long spoons tied to each hand, so that they could not feed themselves. Nevertheless, they tried frantically to get the food to their mouths, until attendants came to drive them from the hall. The newcomer understood that he was in hell, and he begged to be shown heaven. He was taken to another place, where the scene was repeated. There was the banquet hall, the food, the inhabitants with spoons strapped to their hands. But here each fed his or her neighbor."

I don't know who's the writer, I think it's a folklore. I'll have a look and see if I can find anything else.

.
http://www.religion-online.org/showchap … =435&C=316

Last edited by blissed (12-01-07 23:58:46)

The_Elfman · 13-01-07 00:40:24

Sorry Siobhan. I don't know it.

polarchill · 13-01-07 00:45:37

Yes, the best I can get so far is that possibly it is a Native American folk tale.

Siobhan · 13-01-07 04:09:47

Thanks so much, Blissed, and thx Elf and Polarchill as well.
If I find it I'll let you know blissed. what you DID find is lovely.

#1 12-01-07 23:08:27

Because you're the smart kids

#2 12-01-07 23:57:53

Re: Because you're the smart kids

#3 13-01-07 00:40:24

Re: Because you're the smart kids

#4 13-01-07 00:45:37

Re: Because you're the smart kids

#5 13-01-07 04:09:47

Re: Because you're the smart kids

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