Español / B1
El espejo y el agua
El espejo y el agua se pusieron a discutir. El espejo presumía de su forma de ser y de lo bien que reflejaba todo.
«Tengo un carácter duro», explicó. «Muestro las cosas exactamente como son. Si hay un defecto o una pequeña mancha en una cara, yo la enseño.»
El agua respondió que era blanda y reflejaba las cosas solo en parte, como jugando.
«Tú puedes enseñar la mancha», le dijo. «Pero yo hago más que tú: la quito.»
La lección final compara dos formas de corregir a otra persona. Una crítica dura puede enfadarla. Un consejo amable, en cambio, puede ayudarla a mejorar.
English summary · includes the ending
A mirror and water argue about their different qualities. The mirror describes its character as hard. It says that it reflects everything exactly and does not hesitate to show what is there. Water replies that its character is soft. Its images are incomplete and playful rather than exact.
The mirror then points to a particular strength: it can show even the smallest defect or mark on someone's face. Water answers that showing the mark is only part of the matter. It does something more, because it removes the mark.
The fable ends by comparing their qualities with two ways of correcting people. A harsh criticism makes its listener angry, while a gentle warning can help that person improve. The final answer therefore gives the advantage to water: its softness is connected with removing a fault, while the mirror's hardness is connected with displaying it.
Adapted for Lejrbål from the credited source.
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