Tag: the speaking tree

Mullah Nasrudin…

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Philosophers, logicians and doctors of law had come to court to examine Mullah Nasrudin. It was a serious case, because Mullah had admitted going from village to village saying: “The so-called wise men are ignorant, irresolute, and confused.” He was charged with undermining the security of the state. “You may speak first,” said the king. “Bring pen and paper,” said the Mullah.

Paper and pens were brought. “Give some to each of the first seven savants.” The pens were distributed. “Have them separately write an answer to this question:” “What is bread?” This was done. The papers were handed to the king who read them out:

The first said: “Bread is a food.” The second: “It is flour and water.” The third: “A gift of God.” The fourth: “Baked dough.” The fifth: “Changeable, according to how you mean ‘bread'”. The Sixth: “A nutritious substance.” The seventh: “Nobody really knows.” “When they decide what bread is, ” said Nasrudin, “it will be possible for them to decide other things.” Is it not strange that they cannot agree about something which they eat each day, yet are unanimous that I am a heretic?”

-Idries Shah

The Speaking Tree, Page: 03, 6, June, 2010

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It Adds Up…

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Little Zachary was doing very badly in math. His parents had tried everything: tutors, mentors, flash cards, special learning centres. Finally, in a last-ditch effort, they enrolled him in the local Catholic school. After the first day, little Zachary came home with a very serious look on his face. He didn’t even kiss his mother or say “Hello”. Instead, he went straight to his room and started studying. Books and papers were soon spread out all over the room while little Zachary applied himself, hard at work.

Jesus

His mother was amazed. She called him down to dinner. The minute he was done, he marched back to his room without a word, and in no time, he was back hitting the books as hard as before.

This went on for some time, day after day, and finally little Zachary brought home his report card. He put it on the table, and then went up to his room to study. His mom looked at the report card, and found Zachary had an ‘A’ in math. She went to his room and said, “Son, what was it? Was it the nuns?” The little boy shook his head. “Well, then,” she replied, “was it the books, the discipline, the uniforms?”Zachary looked at his mother and said, “No. It was the first day of school when I saw that guy nailed to the plus signed; I knew they weren’t fooling around”.

The Speaking Tree, Page: 06, 23, Jan, 2011

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