The Emperor's New Clothes

"The Emperor's New Clothes" is a story illustrating the tendency to go along with popular beliefs or appearances, even if they are false, out of fear or desire to fit in. In the tale, two con artists pretend to make the emperor dazzling, invisible clothes only visible to 'worthy' people. The emperor, afraid to appear unfit, claims to see them and wears them proudly. When a child honestly points out he is wearing nothing, everyone realizes the truth. The story highlights the importance of honesty and the danger of collective pretense.