Abstract

Lessons from Wind - fables of wind from ancient to modern times. "THE NORTH WIND and the Sun disputed as to which was the most powerful, and agreed that he should be declared the victor who could first strip a wayfaring man of his clothes. The North Wind first tried his power and blew with all his might, but the keener his blasts, the closer the Traveller wrapped his cloak around him, until at last, resigning all hope of victory, the Wind called upon the Sun to see what he could do. The Sun suddenly shone out with all his warmth. The Traveller no sooner felt his genial rays than he took off one garment after another, and at last, fairly overcome with heat, undressed and bathed in a stream that lay in his path. [Moral:] Persuasion is better than Force." From Aesop's Fables (Translated by George Fyler Townsend) From gods and myths of generations past, to wind generation as business today, the wind continues to influence our world both as idea and resource. Following in the tradition of Aesop, this paper will reflect on fables and tales of the four winds from ancient stories of Europe, Asia and Aotearoa, with a focus upon lessons about Communication that are still apt for our modern world.