The King's Decision

A long time ago, there was an intelligent king. His Majesty lived happily with his family in the palace.

One day, a magician came to the palace. He brought a jar to present to the king.

"The water in this jar has special powers," said the magician. "I wish to give this magic water to Your Majesty. I hope Your Majesty will accept it."

The king asked, "What is so special about this magic water?"

"Whoever drinks this water will live to a very old age," answered the magician.

The king was not sure whether he should drink the magic water. He ordered his guards to bring before him three citizens of the country. He wanted to ask them what he should do with the magic water.

The palace guards soon brought three men to the palace. They were a general, a rich man and a farmer. The three men were summoned before the king.

The king questioned them one by one. The first man who was questioned by the king was the general.

"If I were to drink this magic water, wouldn't I be able to live happily for a very long time?" the king asked the general.

The general answered, "Yes, Your Majesty will live to a ripe old age and therefore Your Majesty will be thought about the general's answer.

The king then asked the rich man the same question. The rich man answered, "Your Majesty will live a thousand years more and your wealth will keep on increasing. With this, Your Majesty will be able to live happily."

"Is that true, rich man?" asked the king.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I'm a rich man. I want to live for a long time because I don't want to lose my wealth in this world."

Then the king asked the same question to the third man, the farmer.

"I don't agree with the others, Your Majesty," answered the farmer.

"Why not?" asked the king.

The farmer answered, "Your Majesty may be able to live for a long time. Your Majesty may be able to conquer the whole world and get much wealth. But Your Majesty will not be happy."

The king was surprised by the farmer's reply.

"Why not?" asked the king.

The farmer replied, "If Your Majesty were to live for a long time, Your Majesty will see your whole family and freinds dying one by one. Your Majesty is sure to feel very unhappy and lonely."

The king kept quiet for some time. He thought about what the farmer had said.

"You're right. I agree with you. It's no use drinking the magic water if it won't make me happy," said the king.

The king then ordered the palace guard to throw the jar of magic water into the sea.

Having a long life, power and plenty of wealth will not mean that you will be happy.