> The present understanding is that the tale's moral supports team effort and recognition of the vital part that all members play in it. In more authoritarian times, however, the fable was taken to affirm direction from the centre.

Oof.

Exactly what I was going to post.

Here's a direct link to ... several versions of ... the fable:

<https://fablesofaesop.com/the-belly-and-the-members.html>