The Parable of the Unreliable Compass

A group of Americans are out on a mountain trail, hiking through pretty rough terrain. Luckily, there’s an experienced Guide […]

The post The Parable of the Unreliable Compass first appeared on Rhetoric Warriors.

A group of Americans are out on a mountain trail, hiking through pretty rough terrain. Luckily, there’s an experienced Guide in the lead. 

The Guide stops, pulls out a compass.

“Okay, due North is that way, we’re heading in the right direction.”

“Wait, what? That’s due South!” someone yells.

“No, look,” the Guide says, “the compass is pointing North.” 

They all start shouting. 

“Why are you lying to us?”

“Jesus says that way is East! Why do you hate Jesus?”

“This guy just wants our money! He wants us to die on the trail, so he can have it all to himself! You can’t trust his “compass”!”

“You’re trying to take away my freedom! I can decide for myself which way is North! I did my own research!”

“The government fakes compasses! They’re part of the plot! Don’t believe compasses!”

“I saw a compass online pointing the exact opposite direction! Why should I trust your compass, online is better!”

“I listen to a podcast about compasses! The host has real compasses. You should listen to that guy, you’d throw that compass in the trash!”

“I’m a Patriot. All Patriots must come with me, we’re heading South, the way our forefathers did!” 

The Guide says, “Uh, okay. I’m just going to follow the compass. Come with me if you want.“

“Traitor!” 

The Pack charges, grabs him, throws him off the cliff. 

Then they smash the compass, stomping it with glee. 

They all celebrate, jump up and down, chanting, “Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!” 

Things quiet down. Everyone hugs each other.

And then they all stop. 

“Okay, we did it! We’re free once again, to make our own choices.”

“Yes! Cool. Wow, it’s getting dark out here. Which way is North, again?”

The post The Parable of the Unreliable Compass first appeared on Rhetoric Warriors.