A Moral Compass
Once upon a time, there were two friends. Andy and Gabriel. One day, Andy and Gabriel were walking along a stream when they came upon a huge tree, sheltering a pond. It was a truly wonderful place, cool, and restful.
“It is a wonderful place to bring my children for a swim and some fun in summer!” exclaimed Andy. “I agree.” said Gabriel.
“Well, if you are really interested, let’s build a swing here under the tree… And maybe a pier in the pond for boats and canoes.” Gabriel said.
“But I’m not rich… I doubt I can afford it.”, said Andy sadly.
“I’ll buy the materials for you,” replied Gabriel, “Why don’t you pass me a list of the materials you need? I’ll buy them for you.”
“Well… That’s okay I guess.” Andy said doubtfully.
Weeks passed. Andy never passed Gabriel a list of construction materials. Puzzled, Gabriel reminded Andy about the building of the pier and swing to create a playground at the pond for Andy’s children.
“Well, I have the list somewhere, but I forgot where I placed it. I’ll give it to you when I find it.”
“Okay then. Please pass it to me soon then, alright?” Gabriel replied.
Months passed. Andy and Gabriel were caught up in work. They were so busy they worked day and night. Gradually, Gabriel decided Andy was not interested in the idea of building a playground for his children after all.
Six months later, Andy and Gabriel completed their projects. Andy came to Gabriel and asked him for money.
“But I thought you were not interested anymore! After all, there was no news for months!” Gabriel replied. “Besides, there is still no list…”
“But, but, you offered your help.” said Andy.
“Indeed, its been six months without news. Surely you don't expect me to keep waiting? I mean... When will the wait end? Next year? Or two years from now? I mean, every offer have an expiry date, right?” Gabriel explained.
"But, a promise is a promise, how could you break it now?" Andy retorted.
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Ladies and gentlemen, what do you think? Who’s right and who’s wrong? Is Gabriel wrong to withdraw his offer after six months wait? Is Andy right to lay claim after keeping silent for so long? What d you think?
“It is a wonderful place to bring my children for a swim and some fun in summer!” exclaimed Andy. “I agree.” said Gabriel.
“Well, if you are really interested, let’s build a swing here under the tree… And maybe a pier in the pond for boats and canoes.” Gabriel said.
“But I’m not rich… I doubt I can afford it.”, said Andy sadly.
“I’ll buy the materials for you,” replied Gabriel, “Why don’t you pass me a list of the materials you need? I’ll buy them for you.”
“Well… That’s okay I guess.” Andy said doubtfully.
Weeks passed. Andy never passed Gabriel a list of construction materials. Puzzled, Gabriel reminded Andy about the building of the pier and swing to create a playground at the pond for Andy’s children.
“Well, I have the list somewhere, but I forgot where I placed it. I’ll give it to you when I find it.”
“Okay then. Please pass it to me soon then, alright?” Gabriel replied.
Months passed. Andy and Gabriel were caught up in work. They were so busy they worked day and night. Gradually, Gabriel decided Andy was not interested in the idea of building a playground for his children after all.
Six months later, Andy and Gabriel completed their projects. Andy came to Gabriel and asked him for money.
“But I thought you were not interested anymore! After all, there was no news for months!” Gabriel replied. “Besides, there is still no list…”
“But, but, you offered your help.” said Andy.
“Indeed, its been six months without news. Surely you don't expect me to keep waiting? I mean... When will the wait end? Next year? Or two years from now? I mean, every offer have an expiry date, right?” Gabriel explained.
"But, a promise is a promise, how could you break it now?" Andy retorted.
******************************************************
Ladies and gentlemen, what do you think? Who’s right and who’s wrong? Is Gabriel wrong to withdraw his offer after six months wait? Is Andy right to lay claim after keeping silent for so long? What d you think?
posted by Faith, Hope, and Karitas... at 10:41 pm
2 Comments:
andy is wrong to have kept gabriel waiting.besides. he failed to show interest in the plan (probably due to stupid pride)so he does not have the rights to tell gabriel off.
gabriel is also in the wrong. having said what he did, he should not take it back. it was afterall a dream of both of them wasn't it. and if gabriel was really keen. he could have started thinking of what is do be done as well. waiting wouldn't have hurt.
am ii wrong? =X
I think you would be right IF it was also Gabriel's dream. However, it was more Andy's dream and Gabriel's offer to help Andy make it come true, so Gabriel really wasn't keen at all.
However, a brave attempt to come up with an answer where none is actually required at all, hahaha!
Glad that someone actually put thought to this moral question ")
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