Adventures from the Book of Virtues – Episode 6: "Self-Discipline" is a classic educational episode from 1996, produced by PorchLight Entertainment for PBS.
In this episode, Annie, Zach, and Chris explore the importance of self-discipline, learning how focus, patience, and self-control lead to success and strong character. Guided by the wise lion Plato, they are introduced to moral stories that show the rewards of persistence, delayed gratification, and responsible behavior.
Key Lessons in This Episode:
Practicing self-control and patience
Staying focused on goals
Delaying gratification for long-term success
Building personal and ethical responsibility
Series Information:
Series: Adventures from the Book of Virtues
Episode: 6
Title: Self-Discipline
Year: 1996
Production Company: PorchLight Entertainment
Network: PBS
Genre: Educational, Moral, Family, Animated
Language: English
Total Episodes: 39
This episode is perfect for children, families, and educators, teaching practical lessons in discipline, responsibility, and moral growth through engaging animation.
self-discipline lesson focus patience moral education ethical values character education responsible behavior life lessons animated morals educational cartoon family animation classic animation pbs education virtue learning moral stories storytelling animation children learning family friendly english cartoon vintage animation 1990s cartoon educational tv persistence goal setting moral guidance animated teaching values education child development learning ethics animated classics family viewing educational entertainment virtue stories moral philosophy ethics for kids character building animated storytelling classic kids animation education through stories moral clarity delayed gratification integrity learning animated education family cartoon learning values ethical learning animation history educational family show moral development classic educational animation kids education family entertainment animated values story based learning moral awareness ethical understanding virtue education cartoon morals animated life lessons #selfdiscipline #focus #patience #moraleducation #ethicalvalues #characterbuilding #virtuelearning #lifelessons #animatededucation #familyfriendly #classiccartoon #pbs #kidslearning #educationforkids #storybookanimation #familyviewing #educationaltv #valuesforkids #moralstories #animatedclassics #learningethics #familycartoon #educationalanimation #persistence #goalsetting #responsiblebehavior
In this episode, Annie, Zach, and Chris explore the importance of self-discipline, learning how focus, patience, and self-control lead to success and strong character. Guided by the wise lion Plato, they are introduced to moral stories that show the rewards of persistence, delayed gratification, and responsible behavior.
Key Lessons in This Episode:
Practicing self-control and patience
Staying focused on goals
Delaying gratification for long-term success
Building personal and ethical responsibility
Series Information:
Series: Adventures from the Book of Virtues
Episode: 6
Title: Self-Discipline
Year: 1996
Production Company: PorchLight Entertainment
Network: PBS
Genre: Educational, Moral, Family, Animated
Language: English
Total Episodes: 39
This episode is perfect for children, families, and educators, teaching practical lessons in discipline, responsibility, and moral growth through engaging animation.
self-discipline lesson focus patience moral education ethical values character education responsible behavior life lessons animated morals educational cartoon family animation classic animation pbs education virtue learning moral stories storytelling animation children learning family friendly english cartoon vintage animation 1990s cartoon educational tv persistence goal setting moral guidance animated teaching values education child development learning ethics animated classics family viewing educational entertainment virtue stories moral philosophy ethics for kids character building animated storytelling classic kids animation education through stories moral clarity delayed gratification integrity learning animated education family cartoon learning values ethical learning animation history educational family show moral development classic educational animation kids education family entertainment animated values story based learning moral awareness ethical understanding virtue education cartoon morals animated life lessons #selfdiscipline #focus #patience #moraleducation #ethicalvalues #characterbuilding #virtuelearning #lifelessons #animatededucation #familyfriendly #classiccartoon #pbs #kidslearning #educationforkids #storybookanimation #familyviewing #educationaltv #valuesforkids #moralstories #animatedclassics #learningethics #familycartoon #educationalanimation #persistence #goalsetting #responsiblebehavior
Category
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Short filmTranscript
00:00Tell me a story, read me your poem,
00:17Wrap it in melody, sing me the song,
00:22Then let me hold it, deep in my heart,
00:25Where it can speak to me all the day long,
00:30The adventure of virtue, the adventure of truth,
00:37The thrill of knowing that it's up to you,
00:42Building the new day, shining in the sun,
00:46This is my story, the adventure has begun,
00:54No doubt about it, Aurora,
01:15Spring is my favorite time of year.
01:17Yes, except for those sudden April showers.
01:21No, Zack, you don't have to carry me.
01:23Come on, I'll give you a free ride. It's my pleasure, really.
01:26Right through that mud. How can I resist?
01:32Careful.
01:37Now for 25 cents, I'll carry you across a stream.
01:40What?
01:45You don't have...
01:46Whoa!
01:46No!
01:51Morning, Annie.
01:52Zach.
01:53Morning, Plato.
01:55Say, do you need your cave straightened up?
01:57I'll dust it for a couple of dollars.
01:59Zach, what is it with you and money today?
02:02Uh, there's this new game I want, but my mom won't give me an advance on my allowance.
02:07She doesn't understand.
02:08I gotta have it now, so I need to raise some money fast.
02:12How about it, Sock?
02:13You could use a good comb-in.
02:15Zach, it's admirable you're willing to work for something you want, but money isn't everything.
02:20Although there once was a king who thought it was.
02:24I feel a story coming on.
02:26His name was King Midas, and his lust for gold was equaled only by his impatience to have more of it.
02:34Wait, Plato. You need the book.
02:36Aristotle, I know this one by heart.
02:38Please?
02:39I don't carry this around for my health, you know.
02:43Very well. For you.
02:46Phew.
02:46Now, King Midas lived a long, long time ago in ancient Greece.
02:52And even though he had more gold than anyone else in the world, it still wasn't enough.
02:58Midas wanted more.
03:00While his daughter Marigold spent her days in her garden, which she loved.
03:06Midas spent his days in a dark, dank, smelly old dungeon where he kept his vast stores of gold.
03:14Hello, my pretty.
03:16Oh, you're looking lovely today.
03:19Always room for one more beauty.
03:22And now, the coins.
03:26637.
03:27What's this?
03:29Mere silver.
03:31Da.
03:37Crazy old coot, but he's gonna make me one rich crow.
03:41Father, look.
03:45I picked these just for you.
03:47Oh.
03:49Oh, thank you, my dear.
03:51They're lovely.
03:53It's just a pity they're not made of real gold.
03:56Come on outside and play with me.
03:58It's beautiful in the garden today.
04:00I can't, Marigold.
04:02I have to count my gold.
04:04But, Father, I...
04:05Now take these and go play so I can get back to work.
04:08All right.
04:135,256.
04:17It's not enough.
04:19Not nearly enough.
04:22The door.
04:23It was locked.
04:25My, my.
04:26You do have a lot of gold.
04:28Not enough.
04:30Others have more, I'm sure.
04:32Oh?
04:33You're not satisfied with the gold you have?
04:36I wish everything I touch would turn to gold.
04:41Do you?
04:42Then listen closely.
04:44At morning's first light, you will get your wish, King Midas.
04:48Everything you touch will turn to gold.
04:52What?
04:52What did you say?
04:53Talking to a daydream, when there's money to be made.
05:05At morning's first light, you will get your wish, King Midas.
05:10Everything you touch will turn to gold.
05:14Silly idea.
05:18Can he pee?
05:19The golden touch.
05:26The golden touch.
05:27I have it.
05:30I reach.
05:34Amazingly rich.
05:35Everything I touch turns to gold.
05:44All hail King Midas.
05:46The richest.
05:48And the happiest man on earth.
05:51I love you.
05:55I'm rich.
05:56Marigold.
05:58I must tell her the news.
06:01Marigold.
06:02I'll give her a garden of pure gold.
06:10Wait till Marigold sees it.
06:13But all this work has made me hungry.
06:15Breakfast, please.
06:17That's a nice juicy peach.
06:28Hard as a rock.
06:30How can I eat?
06:31How can I drink?
06:33Father, it's terrible.
06:35My garden is ruined.
06:37Look.
06:39Marigold.
06:40We're rich.
06:41Richer than anyone.
06:43I want my flowers back.
06:45Marigold, we can buy all the roses in the world.
06:50I want my roses back.
06:52They don't look and smell so pretty now.
06:55Now dry your tears and have some breakfast, Marigold.
06:59We should be celebrating our good fortune.
07:04If you're celebrating, why aren't you eating, Father?
07:08Well, my dear, I'm very hungry.
07:11But it appears that I can't eat.
07:13Oh, poor father.
07:24Oh, no.
07:26What have I done?
07:28My beautiful daughter.
07:30What have I done?
07:31No use trying to sleep.
07:38Nothing is beautiful without my Marigold.
07:41Good morning, King Midas.
07:54And how fare you this morning?
07:56How can you ask?
07:58Right.
08:00You must be happy.
08:01You have the golden touch.
08:03Oh, you are a lucky man.
08:05Lucky, why, I'm the most miserable man alive.
08:12I've lost the only thing worth living for.
08:16You are much wiser than the last time we met.
08:19Go bathe in the river.
08:21Afterwards, anything you sprinkle with river water will change back.
08:25You mean...
08:26Beautiful, pure water.
08:40It's gone.
08:42The golden touch has vanished.
08:44The golden touch is gone.
08:50Ah, the sweet smell of a rose.
08:56This is my last wish ever.
09:03I'm...
09:04I'm wet.
09:06What are you doing?
09:08Why, celebrating, my darling daughter.
09:11Celebrating.
09:14It's alive.
09:16Oh, thank you, father.
09:18So, from that day on, the only golden things which Midas loved were the sunshine, the gold of a yellow rose, the golden waters of the river, and the precious gold of his daughter's hair.
09:34So, Midas did love his daughter more than gold.
09:38Yes, but because of his greed and impatience, his lack of self-discipline, he nearly lost her for good.
09:46Why the long face, Zach?
09:48I guess this morning I loved money more than my mom.
09:51Hmm.
09:52Tell us what happened.
09:53Then I'll get my own money.
09:57Sometimes...
09:58Sometimes I wish it weren't my mom.
10:00I didn't really mean it.
10:05But I was mad.
10:07Anger makes us do foolish things, sometimes tragic things.
10:12Follow me.
10:12Once, a famous warrior lost his temper and regretted it the rest of his life.
10:22Genghis Khan was a great Mongol leader 700 years ago.
10:26When he wasn't leading armies, he liked to hunt with his faithful companion, a trained hawk.
10:33I wouldn't mind a nice trick of water, would you?
10:36No.
10:42That was foolish, my friend.
10:57What's got a name to you?
11:03This is my last warning.
11:06I warned you, foolish bird.
11:17Now, I'll get my drink.
11:22The water is poisoned.
11:24What have I done?
11:26You saved my life.
11:29My faithful friend.
11:31In return, I took yours.
11:34For that, I am truly sorry.
11:39He hurt the one he loved most, but being sorry could not bring back his loyal friend.
11:45Weird.
11:46He controlled armies, but he couldn't control his own temper.
11:49That sounds familiar.
11:51You know, Zack, self-discipline, controlling your behavior, is not an easy thing to learn.
11:58It takes practice.
12:00When I was young, I was so impatient to see the world, I didn't pay attention to the wonders
12:07that were here, right under my nose.
12:09I'd never...
12:10Excuse me!
12:11I don't need to be rude or anything, but, uh, can we get to the point?
12:15It's like they say.
12:17All good things come to those who wait.
12:20And sometimes, those who won't wait, pay dearly, as in one of my favorite stories called
12:26The Magic Thread.
12:33Peter?
12:35Peter!
12:36What are you doing?
12:38Hm?
12:38Uh...
12:40Thinking?
12:41So what are you thinking about?
12:43Oh, what I'll be when I grow up.
12:46What's so funny about that?
12:47What are you, his girlfriend?
12:49No, I...
12:50Shush now, all of you.
12:52Don't wish away the years, boy.
12:54They go by fast enough.
12:57Not for me, they don't.
12:59Don't forget your Latin test tomorrow.
13:02Yay!
13:05Thanks for sticking up for me in class today, Lisa.
13:08That's okay, Peter.
13:09That's why we're friends.
13:11I better be getting home.
13:13I do worry about you, Peter.
13:14You must work harder in school.
13:16Oh, school bores me.
13:18I want to make history, not read it.
13:21Peter, what am I going to do with you?
13:25Marry me, Lisa.
13:26Someday.
13:27Ah, but why wait for someday, when someday could be today?
13:33Here's the easy way.
13:35What is that?
13:35This is the thread of your life.
13:40Unwinding, oh, so slowly.
13:44But if you give it a little tug, you can speed it along.
13:49You mean, you'll never have to feel anything bad or have to wait for the good.
13:56Just zip, and there you are.
13:59But once you pull the thread out, it can't go back in.
14:04And you may not tell anyone about the ball.
14:07Because if you do, on that day, you will die.
14:12Interested?
14:14Yes.
14:15Good.
14:16Use it wisely.
14:18I will.
14:23The next day, Peter sat and dreamed about what he would do with the magic thread.
14:30Peter.
14:31Yeah.
14:31I am running out of patience, young man.
14:34Now conjugate the Latin verb vivare.
14:38Go on, Peter.
14:38You can do it.
14:39I can't.
14:41I forgot to study.
14:42Well, do you have an answer?
14:44Um, I...
14:46I...
14:47All right, class.
14:50Have a good summer.
14:51See you next fall.
14:52Yay!
14:56What did she say?
14:58School's out, Peter.
14:59I hope we can play together.
15:01Sometime this summer.
15:03Bye.
15:05But...
15:05But I want us to be older.
15:08I want you to be my girlfriend.
15:11And so, anytime Peter was unhappy, he would pull the string, and suddenly, he would be older.
15:20Just think, Lisa.
15:21Our last year of school.
15:23Now we can get going with life.
15:26Peter, Peter.
15:27I was so impatient.
15:29Let's just enjoy the moment.
15:31Peter!
15:32You promised you'd rake the leaves today.
15:34Here you are.
15:35Better hurry.
15:36I'll have it done in a flash, Mother.
15:38Thanks.
15:39Maybe Lisa can help you.
15:41Come on, Peter.
15:41It'll be fun.
15:42We can make a pile of leaves and bury each other.
15:45Now, I'll take care of this before you can say...
15:48Winter's here.
15:49And please shovel the front steps, too.
15:57Thanks, Peter.
16:00Don't worry, Mother.
16:01I'll take care of everything.
16:03Whenever anything got difficult, Peter took out the ball of thread and gave it a tug.
16:12Soon, Peter found a reason to pull the string just a little, every day, until suddenly, school was out, summer was over, and Lisa was heading out of town to attend a university.
16:27I'll miss you, too, Peter.
16:28But it'll only be for two years.
16:31And with your new job as a carpenter, just... just watch how fast the time will go.
16:35You'll see.
16:37Oh, I know.
16:38The time will just fly by.
16:41Bye, Peter.
16:42All right.
16:44I'll see you later.
16:45Bye, Lisa.
16:46Good luck.
16:48Good luck to you, too.
16:57What a change.
16:59Peter had gone to work for a builder.
17:01Peter, and while he liked getting paid, the work was hard, and he was not doing a very good job.
17:07Lisa!
17:08Oh, she can't hear me.
17:11Peter, will you hurry it up?
17:13All right.
17:14I will.
17:25Peter?
17:28Peter, are you all right?
17:31I'm fine.
17:32I'm fine.
17:32Just fine.
17:37I now pronounce you husband and wife.
17:46Mother.
17:47You...
17:48You look so...
17:50So...
17:51The word is old, my dear.
17:54When did this happen?
17:55I know.
17:56It seems like only yesterday that you were a boy.
17:59But now you're a businessman with a new wife, a fine little house, and a good life.
18:07Oh, I must go sit down, son.
18:11Seeing how his mother had aged, Peter made a vow never to use the thread again.
18:17After all, everyone said this was the best time of his life, and he didn't want to miss it.
18:22But as time went on, having a baby in the house wasn't as easy as Peter had hoped.
18:29Why won't he stop crying?
18:31Peter, he's teething.
18:32He hurts.
18:33But Peter couldn't keep his promise not to pull the thread.
18:42Suddenly, Peter found himself in the army, and worked really piled up.
18:46And whenever anything got scary, Peter reached for the thread.
18:59Or even when things were good, Peter couldn't resist giving the magic thread one more pull.
19:06How can I think when you're always screaming?
19:16Quiet, I say!
19:18What's wrong with you, Peter?
19:20They're only being children.
19:22It's just that the new house, it's costing so much, and it's taking so long to finish.
19:27It'll work out, Peter.
19:29You have to be patient.
19:31No, I can't.
19:32I can't!
19:33Peter, where are you going?
19:35If the children were grown, it would be quiet.
19:37I could think I...
19:38You will always have a place to come home to.
19:44You know that, don't you, William?
19:46You're a good student.
19:49We'll miss you.
19:50But you'll do very well at the university.
19:53And so, the last of their children had left home.
19:56But the biggest surprise of all was how much Peter missed his children.
20:00He had hoped they would grow fast and be out on their own.
20:04Now he just wishes he'd spent more time with them.
20:08Lisa.
20:15Lisa.
20:16She's gone, Peter.
20:18Look.
20:20Mother.
20:22Lisa.
20:23No!
20:24No!
20:24You must have pulled a bit too hard that last time.
20:34You!
20:35You did this!
20:37You gave me that cursed ball!
20:39No.
20:40It was you who rushed your life along.
20:44Congratulations, Peter.
20:46You got your wish.
20:48But now I'm all alone.
20:50It's nearly over and I have no memories.
20:53It's all a blur.
20:54Yes.
20:56If you had one more wish, what would it be?
21:00To feel the joy and the pain.
21:03To live my life over without the magic thread.
21:07I can do that.
21:08The question is, can you?
21:11Yes.
21:12Yes!
21:13Then do it!
21:15Peter.
21:25Peter, wake up.
21:27Lisa.
21:28You're here.
21:30Where else would I be?
21:31Oh.
21:32I...
21:33I had the most awful dream.
21:35Well, tell me about it later.
21:37We're late for class.
21:39Are you ready for the test?
21:40Test?
21:41No.
21:42But I've learned my lesson.
21:43Come on, you can tell me about your dream tomorrow.
21:46Yes.
21:47Tomorrow?
21:48Heh.
21:48I can wait until then.
21:52Oh.
21:53That was a story worth waiting for.
21:55Yeah.
21:56I guess I can wait a few weeks to get that game.
21:59Remember, he that can have patience can have what he will.
22:03Who said that?
22:04Some doctor?
22:05Ben Franklin.
22:07And as you like to say, everything happens in time.
22:11Time to get home.
22:12Just hope my mom will forgive me.
22:14There's only one way to find out.
22:16I know.
22:18Apologize.
22:19Now.
22:20Good luck, sir.
22:21Good luck, Zach.
22:21Good luck, Zach.
22:23Oh, don't you just wish these spring days could last forever?
22:26Yes, even if it does rain.
22:31How else would you get rainbows?
22:34It's like that passage in Ecclesiastes.
22:37For everything there is a season.
22:40And a time for every purpose under the heavens.
22:43A time to keep silence.
22:45And a time to speak.
22:47Consider each passing moment
22:53As precious as gold
22:56Touch the lilies of the field
23:00See their colors unfold
23:04Learn to wait, to watch, to wonder
23:08Life is more than lightning and thunder
23:12All things are coming in their own good time
23:18Our hurried desires are simply just forest rhymes
23:24Tell the story of your life
23:27And don't skip the lines
23:30Tell the story of your life
23:34And don't skip, don't skip the lines
23:42Tell the story of your life
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