The donkey proclaimed, “The grass is blue!”
The tiger, with a calm demeanor, responded, “No, the grass is green.”
As their disagreement escalated, both animals realized they needed a fair resolution. They decided to seek the wisdom of the lion, the king of the jungle, who was known for his impartiality and insight.
On their way to the lion’s clearing, the donkey grew increasingly agitated. As they approached, he cried out, “Your Majesty, isn’t it true that the grass is blue?”
The lion, resting regally on his throne, replied, “Indeed, the grass is blue.”
Elated, the donkey rushed forward, exclaiming, “The tiger disagrees with me and annoys me! Please punish him!”
Without hesitation, the lion declared, “The tiger will be punished with five years of silence.”
The donkey leapt with joy, triumphantly chanting, “The grass is blue!” as he trotted away.
The tiger, accepting his fate with grace, turned to the lion and asked, “Your Majesty, why have you punished me? The grass is green, after all!”
The lion replied thoughtfully, “Yes, the grass is green.”
Confused, the tiger pressed, “Then why was I punished?”
The lion explained, “Your punishment has nothing to do with whether the grass is blue or green. It stems from the fact that a brave and intelligent creature like you should never waste time arguing with a donkey. The true folly lies in engaging with those who care more about being right than seeking the truth.”
He continued, “The worst waste of time is arguing with the ignorant and the fanatical. Some individuals are blinded by their egos and only seek victory over genuine understanding. When ignorance shouts, wisdom often chooses to listen quietly.”
The tiger, enlightened by the lion’s words, nodded in understanding. He realized that preserving his peace and tranquility was far more valuable than winning an argument that held no merit.
As the lion concluded, he reminded the tiger, “Always choose your battles wisely. Not every discussion is worth your time. Surround yourself with those who uplift your spirit and challenge your mind.”
This encounter became a timeless lesson for all the animals in the forest: True wisdom lies not in winning debates but in recognizing when to engage and when to walk away. In a world filled with noise, sometimes the greatest strength is in choosing silence and preserving one’s peace.
