BY MS. ASHWINI ISHTE: 5 min read
The heartwarming illustrated fable The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy features an unlikely friendship between four woodland creatures: a boy, a mole, a fox, and a horse.
The book is perfect for anyone looking for inspiration and comfort in these challenging times.
It is a serene and warm reminder of the power of friendship and how it can be a profound source of hope and courage.
The boy, the mole, the fox, and the horse interact with each other about their thoughts and feelings throughout the book.
Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, learning valuable lessons about life, love, and the importance of being true to oneself.
They explore topics such as kindness, hope, and courage and offer words of wisdom for readers of all ages.
The illustrations in this book are beautiful and evocative, perfectly capturing the story’s themes and emotions.
In short, “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse” is a beautiful, illustrated fable about friendship, self-discovery, and life lessons.
The lessons are as follows:
1. Comparison: A Double-Edged Sword:
Constant comparison with others, especially on social media, can lead to feelings of insecurity, low self-esteem, and depression.
It can also lead to unrealistic expectations and a false sense of competition, which negatively influence decision-making.
It can be a waste of time if it is used in an unproductive or harmful way. On the other hand, it can be a useful tool for personal and professional development when used in a constructive and goal-oriented way.
![Comparison: A Double-Edged Sword. The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy](https://wisdomhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/1-1024x652.png)
The mole, one of the characters in the book, suggests that it’s important to focus on oneself, on one’s journey, and on one’s progress.
He encourages the other characters and the readers to focus on their strengths, weaknesses, and unique qualities and to celebrate their individuality.
2. Ask for help:
Asking for help is also a sign of strength, not weakness. It shows that you are capable of recognizing your limitations and are ready to take steps to overcome them.
It can be valuable for building relationships and trust, but it should also be done thoughtfully and respectfully.
![Ask for help. The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy](https://wisdomhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2-1024x652.png)
The most important lesson we can learn from this brief story is to persevere and seek help rather than giving up. This is the most courageous thing to do.
Many successful people have acknowledged that they couldn’t have done anything alone, and asking for help has been key in their journey.
3. Self-Forgiveness:
There’s a saying, “Forgiveness is not always easy. At times, it feels more painful than the wound we suffered, to forgive the one that inflicted it. And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness”.
![Self-Forgiveness. The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy](https://wisdomhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/3-1024x652.png)
Self-forgiveness is a complex and personal process that can take time and effort. However, for some people, it may require the help of a therapist or counsellor to heal their emotions.
It can help you reduce feelings of guilt, shame, and self-criticism, and can also lead to improved relationships and greater overall well-being.
Lastly, this book serves as a gentle reminder to learn from our mistakes, and to move on.
4. Compassionate love:
Compassionate love is a powerful force that can shape who we are, our beliefs, and our values.
![Compassionate love. The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy](https://wisdomhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/4-1024x652.png)
Every person in this world has something unique and valuable, and their presence brings something special and irreplaceable. It can bring happiness, fulfilment, and a sense of connection to others.
It takes more than just feelings to be able to recognize another person’s pain and take action to lessen it.
5. The power of friendship:
Real friendship is not just about saving each other’s numbers in your smartphone for years; it all means sharing every part of your life.
![](https://wisdomhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/What-do-you-think-is-the-biggest-waste-of-time-Comparing-yourself-to-others-said-the-mole.-1024x652.png)
In this book, the four characters remind us that we all have different strengths, weaknesses, and perspectives, and that is what makes friendship special.
They also highlight that being there for one another in hard moments is sometimes the best thing we can do.
Basically, good friends make life better, and friendship is an essential part of the human experience.
6. Celebrate accomplishments:
Everyone has their journey and their struggles, and we should be there to support and celebrate each other’s accomplishments.
![Celebrate accomplishments.](https://wisdomhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/5-1024x652.png)
Throughout the book, the characters share stories of their accomplishments and those of others.
They also talk about how they are proud of what they have achieved and how it has helped them grow.
Along the way to the final destination, it is also important to celebrate small wins and progress.
7. Overcoming Hate with Love:
Although the characters in the book are dissimilar, they can find common ground and form a deep and meaningful friendship.
They also discovered that hate is about one’s perception of oneself and the world.
![Overcoming Hate with Love.](https://wisdomhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/6-1024x652.png)
Even if there may be a lot of negativity and hate in the world, there is also an abundance of love and positivity.
It emphasizes that love is a more powerful and prevalent force than hate and that it is essential to focus on and cultivate love in our own lives and the world around us.
Conclusion:
“The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse” by Charlie Mackesy is a powerful and thought-provoking book that offers valuable lessons on life.
The book is a reminder that we are all connected and that our struggles and triumphs are universal. It is a reminder that we all matter, we are all important, and we are all loved.
The book encourages us to be kind and compassionate towards ourselves and others, and to find meaning and purpose in our own lives.
“I hope that the lessons from this book will help you find comfort and guidance in your journey through life.”