The Frog and the more rational Scorpion

A scorpion wants to cross a river but cannot swim, so it asks a frog to carry it across. The frog hesitates, afraid that the scorpion might sting. The scorpion replies that it could sting the frog at any time, but would not, as this would ruin any chances the scorpion has of crossing the river. The frog is still reluctant. The scorpion returns day after day, making the same arguments. After several weeks, the scorpion tells the frog “for many weeks I have chosen not to sting you, in hopes that I will one day cross the river. Surely, I will not sting you today. “ The scorpion further argues that if it did sting, they would both drown, and the scorpion would never cross the river. The frog considers this argument sensible and agrees to transport the scorpion. The frog lets the scorpion climb on its back and begins to swim. Once they have crossed the river, the scorpion stings the frog. The dying frog asks the scorpion why it stung, to which the scorpion replies: “Because you let me, stupid frog.”