Shocking Choice

One day Emperor Akbar asked Birbal what he would choose if he were given a choice between “justice” and a “gold coin”.

“The gold coin” said Birbal without hesitation.

Akbar was taken aback. “You would prefer a gold coin to justice?” he asked, incredulously. “Yes” said Birbal

The other courtiers were amazed by Birbal’s display of idiocy. For years,they had been trying to discredit Birbal in the Emperor’s eyes but without success and now the man had gone and done it himself! They could not believe their good fortune.

“I would have been dismayed if even the lowliest of my servants had said this, continued the Emperor. But coming from you it’s…shocking- and sad. I did not know you are so debased”.

Birbal’s Solution “One asks for what one does not have, Your Majesty!” said Birbal quietly. “You have seen to it that in our country justice is available to everybody. So as justice is already available to me and as I am always short of money, I said I would choose the gold coin.”

The Emperor was so pleased with Birbal’s reply that he gave him not one but, a thousand gold coins!

Moral of the story

1. Before condemning somebody for his action, first find out why he did it. In all fairness everyone should have a chance to defend himself and his actions.

2. When faced with a question, do not always go for what seems to be the politically correct response. In all honesty if you feel otherwise, and have sound reasons to back up your response, have the courage of conviction to go against the tide.

3. A faithful subordinate never misses the opportunity to praise the admirable qualities of boss, but be careful no flattery or false praise…