The King’s Doubt

The king of Mangalapuri had a strange doubt. Did man really need education? As he sat in his court, he sought an explanation from everyone.

The royal pundit said that education would grant a high status and enable a person to acquire considerable wealth. The Chief Minister believed that one could earn a name and fame by pursuing education. The court poet opined that an educated person would command respect from everyone. The official priest claimed that education would make all individuals pious and peace-loving.

Despite their responses, the king was not satisfied with any of these explanations. In fact, one look at his face revealed that he was even angry. It was then that the court jester rose from his seat.

“O king, I know the correct explanation, but you might get angry with me if I were to spell it out!” the jester confessed.

“Don’t be afraid,” the king assured him. “Whatever you know, please tell me. I won’t be angry with you,” he urged the jester.

“You need education so that you will not have doubts like this!” the jester replied. “Also, you would not torment others with such unnecessary, nonsensical questions!”

The court erupted in laughter from all corners; the king took an extra moment to grasp the point made by the jester, but soon he joined in the laughter along with the others.