Independence

In Independence by Chuang Tzu, the Prince sends officials to interview the narrator for a position of assistance in the administration of his government. He responds by asking of a sacred tortoise that the prince is said to have packed in a box on the alter of his ancestral shrine. He asked the officials if they thought the tortoise would rather be so honored or alive and wagging in the mud. The officials reply that most obviously the tortoise would prefer to be alive and wagging its tail. In response Chuang Tzu says he too would like to remain wagging his tail in the mud, and returns to the state in which they found him. That state being peacefully fishing.
I find this story to be most applicable and enlightening of a sort. Most people wish for a place of power and to be acknowledged for their skill. Few give thought to the restrictions that they may suffer as a result when they climb whatever ladder it is they are attempting to climb. All in all, the grass is rarely as green as you thought it would be once you make it to the other side.