One day the owl met the turtle-dove.
”Where are you going?” inquired the dove.
“I am moving east,” said the owl.
“Why is that?” asked the dove.
”All the people here dislike my hoot,” replied the owl. “That is why I want to move east.”
“If you can change your voice,” said the dove, “then it will be all right. But if you can’t, even if you move east, the people there will dislike you just the same.”
Allegorical Meaning
The “Cat Owl Moving House” story is a timeless parable warning against evasion and blaming external factors for personal problems. Its core message is that lasting solutions to conflict or rejection require introspection and a willingness to change oneself (“change your call/voice”), not merely changing one’s surroundings (“moving house”).
Self-Reflection is Essential:
The owl’s relocation ignores the real problem: its own nature. Before blaming others or circumstances, we must examine ourselves to see if personal change is needed.
Change Starts Within:
True improvement requires altering one’s own habits or attitudes (like the owl changing its call), not just moving location. Harmony comes from internal change, not expecting the environment to adapt.
Avoid Superficial Fixes:
Simply changing surroundings without addressing the root cause leads to repeating problems elsewhere. Lasting solutions require tackling underlying issues.
Take Responsibility:
The owl seeks escape rather than accountability for its actions. Growth requires acknowledging and owning our faults.
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