The North Wind and the Sun

The North Wind and the Sun argued about which of them was more powerful. They agreed that whoever could first make a passing traveler take off his clothes would win.

The North Wind went first and blew as hard as he could. But the harder he blew, the more tightly the traveler wrapped his cloak, a loose piece of clothing worn over other clothes, around himself. At last, the Wind gave up hope of winning and asked the Sun to try.

The Sun began to shine with all his warmth. As soon as the traveler felt the warm sunlight, he started taking off his clothes, one piece after another. Finally, he became so hot that he took off everything and bathed in a stream along his path.

Persuading someone is better than using force.