Clever in a Fortnight

Amal, the son of a wealthy merchant, overheard people saying behind his back, “What a pity that Amal, being so rich, should be so stupid!” This hurtful gossip ignited a determination within him. “I must do something about it,” he thought.

One day, Amal approached a fisherman whom he considered clever and asked, “Do you know an easy way to become wise?” The fisherman smiled and replied, “Of course I know! If you eat the head of a big fish every day, you will grow clever!” Encouraged by the man’s words, Amal decided to follow this peculiar advice.

Every day, Amal bought the head of a fish from the fisherman, paying him a rupee for it. After a fortnight, he visited the market and, on his way back, confronted the fisherman. “A whole fish is available for a rupee. Why do you only charge me a rupee for the head?” he questioned.

“See how clever you have grown in the meanwhile!” observed the fisherman with a knowing smile.