Nasruddin was talking to the town astrologer in the coffeehouse one day. "By observing the stars and planets, I know what is happening throughout the universe. My vision knows no limits!" the astrologer explained.
When Nasruddin saw the astrologer the next day in the coffeehouse, however, he was looking very sad.
"What's wrong?" Nasruddin asked.
"I discovered my wife in bed with the grocer," the astrologer replied. "It was a terrible shock!"
Nasruddin just laughed. "Maybe instead of worrying about the whole universe," he said, "you should pay more attention to what's happening right there in your own home."
Inspired by: Mulla's Donkey and Other Friends by Mehdi Nakosteen
Notes: This story is on p. 101 of the book. Making fun of astrologers and fortune-tellers is part of the Aesopic tradition as well. For example, in this Aesop's fable from ancient Greece, the fortune-teller does not know that his own house is being robbed: The Fortune-Teller. In another famous fable, the astrologer does not know what is right under his feet: The Astrologer.
No comments:
Post a Comment