Two cats were walking on a narrow path toward each other. When they came near one another, no one was willing to let the other pass first. They just stood there, screaming at each other.
"Let me pass first," said one cat.
"No! I was first here," said the other cat.
"No, I must be first, because I am bigger than you."
"No, I am stronger than you."
"No, I am smarter than you, so you must respect me."
“Well, I have many cats that will hurt you if you don't let me pass."
After a while, the screams turned into a fight. The cats started fighting, scratching, and biting each other.
A little while later, a wiser cat arrived on the scene. He looked at them and started to laugh.
The two cats stopped fighting and looked at him amazed.
"Why are you laughing?" The cats asked him.
"I am laughing at you and your behavior. You are wasting your time and are hurting each other, just because you won't let the other one pass. The path is wide enough for each cat to pass to the other side. Why are you fighting? Don't you have anything better to do?"
"It is a matter of honor and power." The two cats said.
The wise cat was amused and said, "Do you need to prove you are stronger? Who cares about this?” One who is really strong and self-confident doesn't feel the need to show this to others. When someone feels good about themselves, others feel that strength, respect, and love, not fear."
"There is life, good food, and wonderful things to enjoy doing, yet here you are standing, facing each other, yelling, scratching, and fighting. Open your eyes and grow up!"
"Is it really important who passes first to the other side of the path? Is it worthwhile to have all these scratches and bites? You are wasting your time, energy, and health on nonsense."
"Look around and see all the animals around you laughing at your irrational behavior."
The two cats were bewildered and didn't know what to say. The words of the wise cat made sense, but their subconscious, programmed behavior, and habits were too strong. It was not easy for them to resist them.
Moral: One has to wonder, did the two cats stop fighting? Did each one finally go on their way?