Birbal's Wisdom

Birbal was the wisest minister in Emperor Akbar's court. One day, Akbar drew a line on the floor and challenged the court to make it shorter without touching or erasing it. All the courtiers were puzzled. No one could figure out how to shorten a line without erasing it. Birbal smiled and stepped forward. He drew a longer line right next to Akbar's line. Now Akbar's line appeared shorter in comparison, without anyone having touched it. Akbar was very pleased. On another occasion, Akbar asked what travels fastest in the world. Some said a horse, others said the wind, and some said an arrow. Birbal replied that the mind travels fastest of all. In a single moment, the mind can reach anywhere — childhood memories, distant lands, or imagined futures. No horse or wind can travel that fast. Akbar agreed and said that Birbal's wisdom was truly unmatched. Birbal's cleverness continues to inspire people to think creatively to this day.