One merchant said to the porter:
- Take this basket of bottles and bring it to me. And for your work, I will give you three pieces of advice, such that they will bring you great benefit.
The porter agreed, shouldered the basket and followed the merchant. They've gone a third of the way, and the porter says:
- Well, Sahib, what is your first advice?
The merchant replied:
“If someone tells you that it’s better to starve than to walk around with a full belly, you don’t agree with it!”
- Good advice! - the porter responded.
When they had gone the second third of the way, the porter asked the merchant again:
- Well, what about the second piece of advice?
The merchant said:
- If anyone tells you that it is better to walk than to ride, be careful not to think that it is true!
- Even better! - the porter approved.
When they approached the merchant's house, the porter asked:
- Now give me the third piece of advice!
And the merchant said:
“If someone tells you that he saw a porter stupider than you, don’t believe it at all!”
Then the porter got angry, slammed the basket on the ground in anger and exclaimed:
“And if anyone tells you that at least one bottle remains intact in this basket, don’t believe it either!”
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru