The son asked his father, whom the people revered as the wisest ruler among all the famous shahs and sultans:
- Father, where does your wisdom come from? In what books did you find it? Which teachers nurtured it in you? For I want to succeed you not in rank, but in wisdom. “My son,” answered the Shah, “I read the same books that you are reading now.” And my teachers were like your teachers. But what everyone calls wisdom, I received from an ant, a butterfly and a snake. - How was it? Tell me. “I was going on a campaign against the rebellious.” My thoughts were heavy, and my gaze was fixed on the ground. I couldn't decide what to do - choose war or peace. And then I saw an ant, who, straining with all his strength, tried to drag a burden a hundred times larger and heavier than himself. He couldn't move her, but he couldn't move away from her either. All this lasted a long time. Then I thought - why bother myself and my people with the campaign? And there was no war.
Another time it was in court. The judges made a decision, but everyone was silent and waited for my word. And I wanted to say what seemed right to me. But then the fluttering of the wings of a butterfly fluttering near the window attracted my attention. And I didn’t say what I wanted, but only said: “I am a guest here, at this trial. Decide for yourself.” And the judges decided according to the law, not my wishes. And the sentence was merciful.
The third time the murderer made an attempt on my life and was waiting for me behind the bushes in the palace garden. I was walking alone, when suddenly a black snake slithered like a shiny ribbon at my feet. I pulled back and called the courtiers. They went to look for the snake and found the killer.
True wisdom, son, is not in books. True wisdom is to rely on Heaven for help. This help is always near us - it flutters in the skies, glides in the grass... Let only the eyes, ears and hearts be open to it.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru