Master, the class that dare not escape

Author: Li Lezheng et al.
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-11-01
Features: Hedgehog Proverb
I am Bob the hedgehog, belonging to the order Rodentia. Our habitats span forests, farmlands, rocky areas, mountains, and sand dunes, from sea level to an altitude of 3,500 meters. In nature, while I may not be considered a formidable species, I often face attacks from much larger creatures and yet still survive. Over millions of years of evolution and coexistence with humans, I have proven to be a strong and intelligent being.
Take my fight with a tiger, for example. At just 10 kilograms, I remain composed when facing such a "giant," employing highly rational strategies for defense and offense. When fighting, I can quickly raise the sharp spines on my body—each spine trembling like vibrating steel, clashing and making a rustling sound. If my opponent, despite the warning and the dense forest of spines, continues to attack recklessly, I will swiftly turn my back and charge forward with my spines.
But in this world, what is widely recognized as my most formidable skill is my ability to strike an enemy's head with my tail. Many opponents are unprepared for this, as the short, thick spines on my tail are densely packed to cover my opponent's face. The hooked spines on my quills make the consequences of being hit quite clear. Wolves, foxes, and mountain lions all show respect when they encounter me, Bob.
When it comes to wisdom, however, it is still my human friends who are the most intelligent. After observing our way of life and survival strategies, they have summarized many insights. Mr. Skopan Howl, a British social psychologist, once compared gentlemen to hedgehogs, which is quite inappropriate. While he merely used the analogy for a point, it also revealed the clever method hedgehogs use to stay warm in winter: when they get too close, they feel the pain of mutual pricking, but when they move too far apart, they can no longer share body heat. Thus, they devised a solution—spines on their backs should interlock at an optimal distance. This perfectly reflects the human social principle of "gentlemen's friendship is as pure as water," advocating for maintaining a certain distance in interpersonal relationships.
Though our species may not be physically formidable, humans are no different—we have sharp minds, excel in thinking, and know when to advance and when to retreat. Therefore, in this world, both you and I are strong, because you will learn to think like a wise being, just as I do.
When you open this book, your eyes will surely light up, because from now on, you will discover and master the wisdom and experience passed down by human sages. And this will undoubtedly benefit you for a lifetime.