A Curious Bet
One day, Akbar and Birbal were discussing human nature. The emperor remarked, “Most people are intelligent.” Birbal replied, “Many only appear so. Inside, they remain like donkeys.” Amused, Akbar challenged him, “Prove it!”
Birbal’s Creative Proof
The next day, Birbal set up a booth and offered free donkey tails to anyone who believed he had donkey ears. Surprisingly, a long line formed! Each person whispered, “Don’t tell anyone—but I feel I have donkey ears.”
Truth Revealed
Birbal told Akbar, “You see? Even learned men fall into delusion when offered something absurd. Ego blinds their intelligence.”
Lesson to Be Learned
In the material world, people are often misled by pride and foolish desires. Real intelligence comes from humility and surrender to Kṛṣṇa. As Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches, “Material education without spiritual realization is simply an expansion of ignorance.”
