Every lasting object or idea endures because ordinary people focus on their goal and ignore the temptation to take the easy path that leads to failure. History shows that great undertakings require hard work and wise preparation. During World War II, the Allies attacked an incompletely prepared German defense in Normandy on D-Day, which became a foothold in Europe for the Allies. The Chinese spent over 1,700 years developing the 3,700-mile-long Great Wall that successfully protected their country from Mongol invaders. The fundamental difference in the outcomes of these events lies in the determination and preparation of the opposing sides. In the end, the more prepared party exploited the shortcomings of its opposition. Many writers have drawn inspiration from the effects that a strong will has had on human history, and the brainchild of a forgotten author has remained a key example of the benefits of work since the mid-19th century. The story of “The Three Little Pigs” ( Disney Enterprises, 311-320) contrasts the beneficial benefits of hard work with the harmful effects of excessive free time. The Germans (the foolish pigs) did not take the time to move enough troops to defend Normandy (the straw and wooden houses) from the Allies (the wolf). In contrast, the Chinese (the wise brother) built the Great Wall (the brick house) which provided sufficient defense against the Mongols (the wolf). These two situations parallel “The Three Little Pigs” because in each case, the side that fully prepared survived while the side that didn't prepare failed. This outcome is universal throughout history and throughout the world because every human being can learn and grow from their experiences and failures. The set of events in...... center of paper ...... People respond to the three pigs because either they have been in the pigs' position, or they are ready to learn from the pigs' experience. Each faces their own personal “wolf” that bares its teeth and threatens to sweep away its foundation, but “The Three Little Pigs” offers hard work and determination as the solution to any problem that seems insurmountable. Proper preparation prevents a poor performance regardless of the situation, and the three pigs prove that, sometimes, a poor performance could be your last. Works Cited Darwin, Charles. The origin of species. New York: Gramercy, 1979. PrintDisney Enterprises, Inc. “The Three Little Pigs.” Disney storybook collection. First edition. Nancy Parent. New York: Disney Press, 1998. 311-320. Print "Matthew 7:24-27." New Scofield Study Bible. Ed. CI Scofield. Oxford: Oxford Univ, 1987. 1330. Print.