HISTORIAS Manuel Espejo
Who Moved My Cheese?
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, published in 1998, is not only one of the best-selling business books ever but also a captivating allegorical and motivational tale.
The story unfolds in a metaphorical world, where four characters reside contentedly within a complex "Maze," partaking in their favorite sustenance, "Cheese." Among the quartet, two are mice, Sniff and Scurry, while the other two are "Littlepeople" – diminutive individuals akin to mice in size – named Haw and Hem. The symbolic terms "Cheese" and "Maze" represent desires and the environments where they are pursued. The narrative revolves around the diverse responses each character has to change.
The four characters reside in their Maze and eventually stumble upon an abundant reservoir of Cheese, aptly named "Cheese Station C." This discovery brings immense joy, as they assume their future is secure and free of worries.
However, one day, Sniff and Scurry notice the Cheese has vanished, leaving "Cheese Station C" barren. Their reaction is pragmatic, having prepared for this eventuality. Aware that Cheese is ephemeral, they embark on a quest to find more within the Maze. Contrastingly, when Haw and Hem encounter the depleted station, their response is marked by anxiety and indignation. These "Littlepeople" exclaim, "Who moved my cheese?" They never anticipated the Cheese running out and deem the situation deeply unfair, feeling entitled to their daily ration. An argument ensues over the appropriate course of action. Haw urges Hem to venture forth in search of fresh Cheese, but Hem clings to the hope of a miraculous reappearance of their beloved Cheese. Frustration and blame divide the two.
As Sniff and Scurry find "Cheese Station N" and sustenance, Haw persists in trying to convince Hem to join him in the quest. Hem, however, remains resolute in waiting for their original Cheese to return. Realizing that Hem's mindset won't change, Haw embarks on his solitary journey, leaving messages on the Maze walls in case Hem experiences a change of heart. Hem, on the other hand, remains fixated on his former happiness, reluctant to explore the unknown without any guarantee of success.
Haw's journey leads him to small fragments of Cheese, motivating him to press onward despite his fears. He grasps the possibility of happiness beyond the confines of guaranteed Cheese. Overcoming fear, Haw continues his quest, encountering stations devoid of Cheese along the way. Haw leaves a trail of messages on the wall, hopeful that Hem might one day decide to join him.
Haw's journey takes him to "Cheese Station N," where he discovers an abundance of Cheese, some of which he has never seen before. Fulfilled by his achievement, Haw contemplates returning to Hem to share the good news. However, he decides against it, understanding that Hem must make his own choices and find his own way. Haw's perspective shifts – he acknowledges the abundance of Cheese at "Cheese Station N" but remains prepared for its eventual depletion.
One day, Haw hears movement in the Maze, and he hopes that it's Hem, having found his way.