Analysis of the Frog in the Well

There is a well-known fable about a frog that spent its entire life in a well, believing the sky was only as big as the opening. One day, a turtle visited the frog and told it about the vastness of the world, from the oceans to the lands and their many wonders. The turtle then invited the frog to come out of the well to see for itself.

I’ve heard two different endings to this story. In the first, the frog refused to believe the turtle and chose to remain in its well, living in ignorance. In the second ending, with a bit of encouragement, the frog agreed to step out. Upon doing so, it saw the outside world for the first time and was overcome with grief.

Between the two endings, most of us would prefer the second for the frog. Something within us recognizes that it is better than the first.

Having heard the second ending, I would have expected that upon exiting the well, the frog would be filled with wonder and joy. However, I have come to realize that this likely wouldn’t be its first reaction.

Discomfort of Change

Any kind of change is uncomfortable, and this includes a shift in perspective. I confess that I don’t remember the exact words used in the fable to describe how the frog felt, but I believe “grief” is appropriate. Grief involves dealing with loss, and when our perspective shifts, there is undoubtedly some loss. This could be a loss of innocence (remember when you discovered that the world contains mean people), a loss of comfort (the frog likely found comfort in the familiarity of the well), a swallowing of pride, and, unfortunately, in some cases, the loss of friends or community (people have been disowned for pursuing different religions or shunned for adopting differing political perspectives).

We prefer the second ending for the frog because we understand what follows after grief. Human nature craves truth. You can bend it, warp it, or even deny it, but it is inherent in us to seek it out. A part of us despises the idea that we might be like the frog in the well. Only by living in truth can we truly live life to the fullest, and that is worth any grief that comes with the process of getting there.

Embracing Discomfort

I propose that we are all frogs in wells (myself included), where once we crawl out of one well, we often find ourselves in another, albeit one with a slightly larger opening. Only God, who is not bound by limitations such as time or sleep, can claim complete freedom from any well.

My hope for this blog is to take on the role of the turtle: a platform for me to share my ideas and experiences, as well as to learn from anyone who responds in kind. Each time we share our perspectives with others, we invite frogs out of their wells.

**Side Note:** For those who have beaten Expedition 33, please let me know your thoughts on the game.