In ancient times, God used to talk to the Nuer. One day he asked:
—What would you like: to live forever or to die over time?
People replied:
“If we all live forever, the earth will overflow.” It is better to let the old people die to make room for those who are born.
- Well, have it your way! - God said and threw a small pebble into the river.
That day the dog was not in the village - he was guarding the herd. In the evening the dog returned to the village and asked the people:
-What did God talk to you about today?
“He asked if we wanted to be mortal or immortal.” We decided that it is better to let some die and others be born.
- So what did God do? - asked the dog.
— God said “have it your way” and threw a pebble into the river.
- Show me where it was? - said the dog. People took him to the river and showed him that place. The dog dived. He took out a small pebble from the bottom of the river.
“You will no longer become immortal,” said the dog. “But this pebble will protect the Nuer from premature death.”
And so it was.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru