The Old Man and the Ass by Jean de La Fontaine is a classic fable that tells the story of an old man and his donkey. The man and his ass are traveling to a market when they encounter a group of young men who mock and criticize them. The old man decides to carry the donkey on his back to avoid further ridicule, but this decision only leads to more embarrassment and chaos.

This fable serves as a valuable lesson on the dangers of trying to please everyone and the importance of staying true to oneself. The old man's attempts to please others ultimately backfire, highlighting the futility of seeking approval from those who do not matter.

The story is simple yet profound, with a timeless message that resonates with readers of all ages. The beautiful language and lyrical prose of Jean de La Fontaine bring the characters and their plight to life, making this fable a must-read for anyone seeking wisdom and guidance in navigating life's challenges.

Overall, The Old Man and the Ass is a thought-provoking and poignant tale that teaches valuable lessons on integrity, self-respect, and the perils of seeking validation from others. Highly recommended for readers of all ages looking for a meaningful and timeless story to ponder on.

Book Description:
LibriVox volunteers bring you 8 recordings of The Old Man and the Ass by Jean de La Fontaine. (There was no translator acknowledged in the text.) This was the Weekly Poetry project for July 7, 2013.Jean de La Fontaine was the most famous French fabulist and one of the most widely read French poets of the 17th century. He is known above all for his Fables, which provided a model for subsequent fabulists across Europe and numerous alternative versions in France, and in French regional languages.According to Flaubert, he was the only French poet to understand and master the texture of the French language before Hugo. A set of postage stamps celebrating La Fontaine and the Fables was issued by France in 1995.