I think that the story is timeless, and I seem to remember that I read a version attributed to a classical author. Perhaps one of the stoics maybe Diogenes, but don't quote me on that, will try some google research and get back to you if I can.

The farmer definitely understood how things work.

On the other hand, we had a wonderful neighbor when we first moved here...elderly & we changed overhead bulbs for her, helped with yardwork, etc., she gave us homemade wine at Xmas, etc....then she got dementia, started calling the police on us (there was dog poop in her yard after her grown kids put 3 large dogs out there for a long weekend, and I guess my dogs could projectile shit through chain link fencing?)
We put down wood chips on the property line & she dug them out from under the chain-link & threw them in our pool, aaannndd etc. The police we called could easily see this digging & when the confronted her she went nuts, they hauled her away. Before this she had also started non-stop swearing at me whenever I was in my yard...only a 50' wide lot, so hard to ignore. Plus cutting my flowers off at the base, leaving her scissors right there, while we were at work, etc etc etc
Sometimes shit just goes south.....

Good reply to the question.

I've found that people who have trouble with their neighbors often are troublesome neighbors themselves. Perhaps they lack respect or good communication with their neighbors.

Those who show respect and consideration right off, perhaps making the first move toward that, tend to get that respect right back. Sometimes if you display behavior you'd like to see in others, they will copy. When you assume the best in others, rather than the worst, they will live up to that and your attitude is more forgiving.

I personally am a good neighbor, respectful of quiet hours and our property ground rules. I've communicated to my neighbors how wonderful it is when everyone respects the posted rules and quiet hours, and now immediate neighbors also are good about.

Currently, I have neighbors upstairs who are doing a noisy remodeling job. They warn me in advance which days are going to be noisy and sometimes even text me a few minutes before to let me know when some abnormally loud banging is going to be taking place. Just the thoughtfulness and consideration in letting me know (since I work from home) is very helpful and makes not mind the noise at all.

Previously, we had neighbors who did very loud remodeling projects with no warning, so loud we couldn't hear the TV or phone conversations. Walls were shaking and it took place well beyond our allowed construction times. No warning at all. Other neighbors lost money from vacationing renters who didn't sign up to pay full price for super noisy accommodations, it was just a very bad situation. That experience taught us a lot about communicating and being thoughtful toward others. When we warn people in advance and maybe extend a gift certificate for the inconvenience, it goes a long way toward softening abrasive situations.

I have no patience for neighbors who disregard our rules and just common courtesies. The rules are put there for the harmonious living of all of us here on the property, and enhance the quality of life. There are those of course who will object to this being respectful and following rules part -- Those are the ones I don't get along so well with.

I had a neighbor make derogatory comments to me because I drive a Prius -- what the heck does it matter to him that I like to limit my gas use? Wow. There are lots of people who are against harmonious living, respect toward others and letting each person make their own decision within the laws how best to live their life.

Of course it turned out that the second stranger was like Leland Gaunt from Stephen King's Needful Things. Believers and the naive are so gullible.

At least the first stanger was honest.

I think the point is, that you get back what you give out. Whenever I'm confronted with someone who seems angry or whatever, I try to say something nice to them, and most of the time their disposition changes.

I get the point they're trying to make, but I think it's kinda of shitty and dismissive of people who are genuinely good people who were stuck living near a bunch of assholes through no fault of their own.

Wise farmer!