Put your shoulder to the wheel

Put your shoulder to the wheel

In the fable of "The Ant and the Grasshopper" attributed to Aesop, the moral of the story is often summarized as "put your shoulder to the wheel." This phrase is a call to action, urging individuals to work hard and diligently in order to achieve their goals and secure their future.

In the fable, the ant spends the summer gathering food and preparing for the winter, while the grasshopper spends his time singing and dancing, unconcerned with the future. When winter comes, the grasshopper finds himself hungry and in need, while the ant is well-prepared and able to survive the harsh conditions. The ant's hard work and diligence are rewarded, while the grasshopper's laziness and lack of foresight lead to his downfall.

The phrase "put your shoulder to the wheel" can be interpreted as a reminder to prioritize hard work and perseverance over laziness and procrastination. It emphasizes the importance of taking action and being proactive in order to achieve success. Just as the ant diligently gathered food in preparation for the winter, individuals must also put in the effort and work hard in order to secure their future and achieve their goals.

The fable of "The Ant and the Grasshopper" serves as a timeless lesson in the importance of hard work, responsibility, and foresight. It teaches us that success is not achieved through idleness and inaction, but through dedication, perseverance, and determination. By putting our shoulder to the wheel and working diligently towards our goals, we can overcome obstacles and achieve success in our endeavors.