What message does the story about fox and grapes teach?

In a forest clearing, there lived a fox. One sunny day, the fox noticed vine ripe grapes hanging from the branches of a tall tree. The grapes looked so tempting and juicy, and the fox began to crave them.

With determined effort, the fox jumped and made several attempt to reach the grapes, but the tree was just to tall. Try as it might, it could not reach the delicious fruit.

Discouraged and frustrated, the fox started to walk away, consoling itself with the excuse, "Oh, well, those grapes are probably too sour to eat."

Message:

The story conveys the idea of rationalization and self deception. Often when we fail to achieve something, we tend to make excuses and find ways to belittle the unattainable object to feel better about our inadequacy.

This fable teaches us to acknowledge and accept our limitations, rather than justifying failure by pretending that the desired goal is not worthwhile or desirable after all.