A farmer stood on a ferry that crossed a wide stream. Next to him was a scholar who did arrogant with his immense knowledge.

He asked the farmer: "Have you ever studied astronomy?"

"No," the farmer answered.

"Oh, but you have wasted much time of your life! With the knowledge of the stars you can navigate a ship through all the world's oceans as a captain. "

 

The scholars then asked: "Have you ever studied meteorology?"

"No," replied the farmer.

"Well, then you have wasted a large part of your life here! Who knows about the winds and the weather can bring a boat safely and quickly from one place to another. "

 

It was followed by the question: "And have you studied oceanography at least?"

"No, replied the farmer.

With a pitying smile the scholars said: "Too bad, as you have wasted your life as well here! The knowledge of the currents is essential to control a ship. "

 

Some minutes later, the farmer passed by to the end of the ship and asked the scholar: "Have you ever learned to swim?"

"No, I did not have time to learn those primitive things."

"Then you have squandered your time, because this boat is just sinking....".

(Persian wisdom

 

Picture by Monika Wagner