The Bundle of Sticks

A Father had a family of sons who were always quarreling among themselves. No matter how much he scolded them or reasoned with them, they continued to fight. One day he decided to teach them a practical lesson.

He called his sons together and placed a bundle of sticks before them. He challenged each one in turn to break the bundle across his knee. Each son took the bundle and strained with all his might, but not one could break it.

Then the Father untied the bundle and handed each son a single stick. Break that, he said. Each stick snapped easily in their hands.

You see, my sons, said the Father, if you stand together and unite, no enemy can defeat you. But if you are divided among yourselves, you will be broken one by one. Unity is strength.