UNIT 17: The Hunger Strike

On a small farm, growing friction arose between the animals and the farmer. The hens, proud of their perfect brown eggs, and the cow, known for her creamy milk, felt unappreciated. “He only takes from us,” one hen clucked, “and shows complete disregard for our effort.” The majority of the animals agreed and decided on a hunger strike—refusing food to express their anger at the unfair work, and at the same time refusing to work at all. The hens stopped laying eggs, the cow withheld her milk, and together they thought the plan was irresistible. At first, the farmer only scratched his head at the strange phenomenon of such a suddenly unproductive farm.

As the days passed, troubles began to accumulate. With no eggs or milk to sell, the farmer lacked money for repairs, and the once tidy barn soon looked desolate. Meanwhile, the animals themselves began to weaken from refusing food, their hunger making them restless and unhappy. His wife, seeing the growing tension, knew she had to intervene. With profound concern, she reminded her husband: “They are not tools; they are our partners.” Realizing the truth of her words, the farmer considered a compromise.

He promised the animals that, in return for their labor, he would place new emphasis on their comfort—mending stalls, cleaning the yard, and spending more time caring for them. The animals accepted, and both their hunger and anger began to subside. Soon, eggs returned to the baskets, milk filled the pails, and harmony was restored on the farm.

Moral: "The strength of any group lies in the recognition that each part depends on the others.