In this video from Ted Ed: A reading of an ancient Japanese folktale, The Selfish Scholar, aside from being a delightful fable – it also encourages all that hear the story to explore their life and inner motivations. As it stands out as a moral tale against elements of superstition and unexamined pride.

Details from Ted Ed:

In ancient Kyoto, a Shinto scholar found himself distracted from his prayers and sought to perform a purification ritual that would cleanse him. He decided to travel to the revered Hie Shrine; walking the path alone, ignoring any distractions in his quest for balance, and never straying. But setting out for home one day, he hears desperate pleas for help. Iseult Gillespie shares the tale of mercy.

Lesson by Iseult Gillespie, directed by Amir Houshang Moein.