Whose Word to Believe?
In a vibrant South Indian setting, Nasreddin Hodja shares a laugh with a young man seeking his beloved donkey, reminding us of the humor found in everyday wisdom.
One day, Nasreddin Hodja was sitting in front of his house, watching the world go by. Many friends greeted him as they walked past, and the Hodja politely returned their greetings.
After a while, a young man, whom the Hodja knew slightly, approached him. “Hodja,” he said after greeting him politely, “I urgently need to see my uncle today. He lives not too far away. It will take me a few hours to ride there on a donkey, and I should be back by nightfall. Could you lend me your donkey, since you don’t seem to be going anywhere today? I promise to be careful and will definitely return before dark.”
Now, the Hodja was very fond of his donkey and rode it everywhere. He was hesitant to lend it to a young man he deemed likely irresponsible. After a moment of consideration, he decided he didn’t want to refuse rudely.
“Oh, unfortunately, the donkey is not here,” he said. “My wife has gone to visit her sister and is unlikely to return until tomorrow. Why don’t you try your luck with someone else?” he suggested.
As the young man turned to leave, the sound of the Hodja’s donkey braying could be heard from the backyard. The young man stopped and said reproachfully, “I thought you said your donkey wasn’t here.”
“I did,” replied Hodja. “Young man, the world will laugh at you if you start believing a donkey rather than a man.”