The forest was on fire.
Every animal was running toward the river.
But the tortoise was heading the other way.
The fox shouted, “You’re going to die! The river is behind you!”
The tortoise kept moving.
Then she said, “During wildfires, crocodiles often wait near the water. They know frightened animals will rush straight toward the river.”
The fox stopped.
A moment later, she heard screams coming from that direction.
“Then where are you going?” she asked.
The tortoise pointed toward a stretch of blackened ground ahead.
“The fire already burned through there yesterday,” she said. “Flames can’t burn what has already turned to ash.”
The fox followed her.
They both survived.
Lesson:
Don’t assume the crowd always knows the safest way.
Fear follows everyone else.
Wisdom looks ahead.