Allegory of the insecure father
Once a father was sitting on a park bench, watching his 7-year-old son play. The father was very proud of his son, who was obedient and always tried to please his father as best he could.
An acquaintance of the father came up and sat down beside him.
“What have you been up to?” asked the father.
“Just wandering around,” replied the other.
“Well, have you noticed my son? Isn’t he a good boy?”
“Perhaps. But, to be honest, I think he’s only good because you’re so nice to him. You always take care of him and give him everything he needs. I bet that, if thing’s weren’t going so well for him, he wouldn’t be such a good boy.”
“Fine," replied the father. "Do whatever you want to him, and we’ll see what happens. I’ll bet you he’ll still be a good boy.”
So, while the father sat watching, the acquaintance walked over to the boy and smashed all his toys. The boy had been playing with a puppy; the man took it and wrung its neck. Finally, he kicked and punched the boy repeatedly, leaving him bruised and bloody.
The little boy ran crying to his father, “Daddy, you saw what that man was doing—why didn’t you stop him? I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Be quiet!” the father replied sternly. “I’m bigger and stronger than you, and I’ve been alive much longer. You’ve got no right to question me!”
The boy lowered his head. “You’re right,” he said softly. “I’m small and weak compared to you.”
The father was so pleased that he bought the boy some even better toys, and he gave him a new puppy for his pet.
Would you call this man a kind and loving father?
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