When Arguments Become Futile
The Tale of the Donkey and the Tiger
In this short story, a heated debate arises between a donkey and a tiger, so they go to the lion for help. What he advises might surprise you.
The donkey said to the tiger, “The grass is blue.”
The tiger replied, “No, the grass is green.”
The debate grew hotter, and they decided to take the issue to the lion for arbitration, so they went to the lion.
As they approached the lion on his throne, the donkey started shouting, “Your Majesty, isn’t it true that the grass is blue?”
The lion responded, “If you believe it’s true, then the grass is blue.”
The donkey rushed forward and continued, “The tiger disagrees with me, contradicts me, and annoys me. Please punish him.”
The king then declared, “The tiger will be punished with 3 days of silence.”
The donkey jumped with joy and went on his way, happy and repeating, “The grass is blue, the grass is blue…”
The tiger asked the lion, “Your Majesty, why have you punished me, after all, the grass is green?”
The lion replied, “You have known and seen that the grass is green.”
