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Discussion Groups / British English / February 2005The carrot and the stick
I recall hearing a story in the 5th grade about a boy who tried to get a stubborn donkey to pull his cart. His solution was to use a stick with a carrot dangling at the end. This was held in front of the donkey, just out of reach. I have always thought that this story was the original one about carrots and sticks, but it does not provide the same metaphor that most writers use. In general parlance, most people refer to the carrot as a reward to the stick as punishment (apparently for beating). I have sought references to any story or parable that mentions carrots and sticks in any sense and I can find none. Does anyone know of the origin of the carrot and stick metaphor? Thank you, Edward Warren > I recall hearing a story in the 5th grade about a boy who tried to get > a stubborn donkey to pull his cart. His solution was to use a stick [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > and sticks in any sense and I can find none. > Does anyone know of the origin of the carrot and stick metaphor? Take a look at the explanation at http://www.hindu.com/br/2003/09/16/stories/2003091600250300.htm -it refers to an everyday experience in peasant society. this was teh first respons to the query "origin of carrot and stick?" at Ask Jeeves http://www.ask.com. Regards, Einde O'Callaghan > > I recall hearing a story in the 5th grade about a boy who tried to get > > a stubborn donkey to pull his cart. His solution was to use a stick [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > Regards, Einde O'Callaghan Thank you, that is exactly the kind of story to which I am referring. I think that it still leaves room for one to think that the stick used to dangle the carrot is the more original metaphor. It is known by those of us who work with animals that beating actually fails to get the kind of behavior one wishes. The animal may become afraid of you and I have seen some rebel by refusing to do anything. If the stick is used instead for dangling, then the metaphor is one of enticement and encouragement. I find that personally more appealing. When real trainers use a stick on an animal, they merely touch the animal with it, they do not hit them. Sincerely yours, Edward Warren >>>I recall hearing a story in the 5th grade about a boy who tried to get >>>a stubborn donkey to pull his cart. His solution was to use a stick [quoted text clipped - 30 lines] > personally more appealing. When real trainers use a stick on an animal, > they merely touch the animal with it, they do not hit them. There is a similar metaphor in German "mit Zuckerbrot und Peitsche" - "with sweetmeat and whip". This would seem to refer more to human beings than to donkeys, but is essentially the same idea - if you can't get something done by consent then you will use force. Regards, Einde O'Callaghan |
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