The Abyss (parable)

The Abyss (parable) 

Once a crowd of people walked along the road. Each carried a cross on his shoulder. 
It seemed to one man that his cross was very heavy. He was very cunning. Bored from everyone, he entered the forest and sawed off a part of the cross. Satisfied that he had outwitted everyone, he caught up with them and went on. 
Suddenly, an abyss appeared on the way. All put down their crosses and crossed. The cunning man remained on this side, since his cross was short.