The Ghost of the Talking Cricket explained

In Carlo Collodi's Pinocchio (1883) the Talking Cricket is the voice of reason.  The Cricket is patient and philosophical.  Instead of getting angry, he talks in a calm, considered way.  In chapter 4, Pinocchio becomes angry with the cricket who has honestly described the wooden boy's problems. He throws the insect against a wall and kills it.  In the following chapter, Pinocchio remorsefully realizes that the Talking Cricket had been right and that he did need to stop telling lies and improve his life. Pinocchio, however, continues his path of misadventures.  In chapter 13, the Ghost of the Talking Cricket reappears to give Pinocchio advice again.  The Ghost tells him not to believe the Fox and the Cat as they will cause him to foolishly loose his gold.  Pinocchio does not believe him.  The ghost says "Remember that boys who are bent on having their own way and on pleasing themselves are sorry for it, sooner or later." (from the Penguin Classics edition with original translations by M.A. Murray, page 49)

This website tries to be honest and considered in its discussion on children's literature and culture.  Jan Susina likes to consider himself a voice of reason when analyzing and teaching about this important topic.