Synopsis
The four characters in the book “Who Moved My Cheese?” include two mice called Sniff and Scurry, and two little people called Hem and Haw, who live in a maze which represents our life, and a look for Cheese, which represents happiness and success. IN their search, both groups discover cheese station C, a place full of aromatic cheese, and build a routine around eating the cheese available there. One day, the mice come to the station, only to discover that the cheese is finished. Sniff and Scurry, enterprising as their names suggest, set off in search of more cheese, soon finding cheese tunnel N. Hem and Haw, however, as their names suggest, are indecisive, and lament the loss of Cheese without making any effort to find a new source. The story tracks these two friends, with Haw finally rousing himself from torpor to find Cheese Station N. He attempts to inspire Hem to follow, but Hem resists change. Haw moves to the new location, leaving behind a series of inspirational messages and hints for Hem to follow, in the hope that he will find his way out of despondency too.
This book uses a simple story to comment on the challenges we face in life, which cloud out judgement and influence our behaviour. The symbolic narrative revolves around the central theme in life and our ability to adapt to it, and to keep moving so that we can grow and find contentment.
About the Author
Known for the value tales series of children’s books, Spencer Johnson is an author, speaker and management consultant. His book, ‘Who Moved My Cheese?’ is a well-known motivational text which is widely used by organizations. Having received its fair share of criticism, the business book nevertheless remains a timeless work which is sure to inspire future generations too.