Holding a mirror to the State

The King’s wise men were summoned to Court to cross examine Nasrudin. This was a very grave case. The Mullah had admitted going around the country exclaiming “The Court’s “wise men” are ignorant, indecisive and confused.” He was charged with undermining state security under new legislation designed to protect the state against foreigners planning terror.
Speak [...]

Finding common ground

The king sentenced his treasurer to death for defrauding the public purse and appointed Nasrudin as his replacement. Not long afterwards, the king learned that Nasrudin was giving treasury money to the poor. Summoning Nasrudin, the king asked “Do you want to end up dying like your predecessor?” “Surely your highness, you would not execute [...]

Post Facto Rationalization

The price of geese was rising sharply in advance of the festive season. Sensing that now was a good time to sell his bird, Nasrudin brought his goose to market. One prospect fancied the fat goose, but the bird hissed at the stranger and frightened him off. A second man attempted to [...]

The give and take

A very familiar looking man was caught in a swollen river, grasping a rock and about to be carried away by the strong current.  Spotting the man’s plight, a passerby ran to him and shouted, “Give me your hand!  I will pull you out!” Though the man in peril clearly heard the passerby, he did not react. He did nothing.
Witnessing this, Nasrudin [...]