A certain swarm of bees was led by a foolish queen to a location just on the side of small waterfall. One bee argued that early next spring when the waters swelled, the hive would be washed away. But most of the swarm shared the queen’s folly. Accordingly the bees built the hive alongside the falling water.

Though the setting was lush and gave the hive ready access to water and pollen, the nearness to the waterfall had attendant inconveniences also. Foremost among these inconveniences was the occasional spray that moistened the hive and occasioned many repairs.

The foresightful bee who had warned about the next year’s floods had worked with extra diligence to strengthen and water-proof her small portion of the hive, in preparation for the coming disaster. These preparations also protected against the sprays. While other bees were frantically working to make repairs, the foresightful bee was able to continue about her business in peace.

But in the spring, when the floods came, the whole hive was washed away.

Moral: Against the folly of a nation, personal foresight and prudence can only do so much.