The Pill Against Hunger
The Indolent King
Once, there was a king who never ventured out of his ivory tower. He spent his days indulging in eating, drinking, merrymaking, and sleeping, while the affairs of the kingdom were handled by his aged minister. The people hardly saw their king, and in turn, the king seldom laid eyes on his subjects. As the days passed, a palpable disconnect grew between them.
The Looming Famine
The minister was undoubtedly a capable administrator and a wise man. However, with an idle king as a master, how much good could be done for the people? The minister grew increasingly worried about the king’s habits.
One day, he approached the king and said, “My lord, the country is threatened by a famine. What is to be done?”
The King’s Command
“Summon all the physicians of my kingdom at once,” ordered the king. The physicians soon gathered, and the king declared, “I want you to prepare a medicine that will cure the people of their hunger.”
After a lengthy silence, the leading physician replied, “My lord, our ancient texts do not prescribe any medicine against hunger. It will not be possible for us to create such a remedy.” The king’s anger flared, and he ordered the physicians to be thrown into jail, a command that was swiftly executed.
The Deceptive Medicine
Later that evening, the minister informed the king that the physicians had agreed to prepare the desired medicine within a month, and the king, pleased, ordered their release. Before the month expired, the physicians produced sacks filled with pills.
“My lord, if one pill is taken, a person will not feel hungry for five years,” declared the leading physician.
“That’s splendid! Call all the people here. I will distribute the pills myself,” the king proclaimed.
The Consequences of Idleness
From the following day, the king began distributing the pills. After two weeks, he felt satisfied that all his subjects had been immunized to hunger. However, he refrained from taking the pill himself, as he enjoyed good food. Consequently, he could not persuade others in his palace to take the pill either.
One day, the king asked the minister, “What is the condition of our kingdom now?” Expecting a favorable report, he was taken aback when the minister’s expression turned grave. “My lord, the situation is far from satisfactory, I’m afraid.”
“What do you mean?” asked the bewildered king.
“The people have almost ceased to work. They spend their time playing, gossiping, or quarreling. Because they do not feel hungry, they have no incentive to produce anything,” explained the minister.
Rising Challenges
“But hunger was our main concern, and that is now resolved, isn’t it?” the king countered.
“Indeed, my lord, but since productivity has plummeted, everything except foodstuffs has become exceedingly costly and scarce. Moreover, your subjects have grown unruly; they refuse to pay taxes and defy our officers,” reported the minister, leaving the king in a gloomy mood.
The Threat of Invasion
Some time later, the minister rushed to the king, exclaiming, “My lord! Our neighbor, King Sursen, is invading our country!”
“Prepare our soldiers immediately. I will command them to defend the kingdom,” said the anxious king.
“Where are our soldiers, my lord? They do not feel hungry, and therefore, do not care to earn. Most have returned to their homes,” the minister replied.
“What are we to do then?” asked the pensive king.
“Let me meet the invading king. I will attempt to appease him by accepting his suzerainty over us,” proposed the minister.
The Revealed Truth
The minister left, but shortly after, an elderly man, followed by armed men, marched into the king’s presence. The king looked around, realizing there was no one left to defend him as everyone had gone outside to witness the happenings.
The elderly man stepped forward, commanding respect. “I am the minister of King Sursen. I come to inform you that your kingdom now belongs to us, and you are our prisoner.”
“All this is due to the pill that cured hunger,” the king murmured, lowering his head in despair.
“No, O King, this tragedy is due to your idleness. You never considered the consequences of your actions, nor did you take the time to see the reality of your kingdom yourself,” the elderly man retorted.
A Moment of Realization
“I have come to realize my folly, though it may be too late,” said the king.
“It is not too late, my lord,” came a familiar voice. The king looked up to see the elderly man remove his disguise. It was his own minister!
“Pardon me, my lord! I had to enact this drama for your benefit. The pills you distributed did not actually eliminate the people’s hunger. Everything is functioning as it should, but it could be much better if you, as king, took a genuine interest in the welfare of the people,” explained the minister.
The king’s illusions shattered, he became wise and practical, finally understanding the responsibilities that came with his crown.