Dieing to Know
Published Dec 30, 2004
A medieval wise man prophesied to a king that his favorite son would soon die. Sure enough, the young man died a short time later. The king was outraged at the wise man, certain that his prophecy had brought about the boy's death. He summoned the wise man and commanded him: "Tell me when you will die!"
The wise man realized that the king was planning to kill him immediately, no matter what answer he gave. "I do not know when I will die," he answered finally. "I only know that whenever I die, the king will die three days later...."
Originally published December 31, 2004.
