The Goatherd and the Goats

A Goatherd, entrusted with the care of a large flock of goats that belonged to a wealthy farmer, took his responsibilities lightly. Each day, he would lead the goats to the pasture, but instead of watching them carefully and noting their behavior and location, he would occupy himself with music and games, paying little attention to the creatures in his charge. The goats, observing that their keeper was not vigilant, began to wander further and further from the main flock. Some would climb to dangerous heights on rocky outcroppings. Others would venture near the forest edge, where wolves were known to hunt. The Goatherd, absorbed in his amusements, did not observe these dangers. One day, the Goatherd suddenly realized that several goats were missing. In alarm, he began to search, but the trail had grown cold, and he could not determine where they had gone or how long they had been absent. Some he found—having wandered into a ravine and injured themselves. Others he never found at all, apparently having been taken by wolves or having gone so far astray that they could not return. When the farmer came to inspect his flock, he found that several goats were missing or injured. In fury, he demanded to know what had happened. The Goatherd, ashamed, confessed that he had not been observant of the goats' movements and had failed to notice their wandering until they had already gone astray. The farmer replied bitterly: "You were given a simple duty—to observe and care for that which was entrusted to you. This requires nothing more than attention and watchfulness. By neglecting to observe their movements and their behaviors, you have been negligent of your responsibilities. The losses you have caused through your carelessness will be repaid from your wages." The Goatherd, now unemployed and ashamed, understood that observance—careful attention to those things under one's care—is not a burden but a fundamental responsibility. His neglect had caused real suffering to innocent creatures and real loss to his employer.