Do you know to discern the subtle art of those who obtain by exaggerating in one direction in order to obtain in fact an opposite response which they wanted in the first place?
This reminds me of a story:
Out on the road under the blazing sun, the ever hungry Hodja – the pilgrim – found a party of merchants. They were enjoying an appetising lunch of smoked cheese, olives, flat bread and juicy fruit with delicious refreshing drinks, in the shade of the one big green tree of the endless dry plain. This vision was worse than the heat of the sun and the ache of the soles. Something had to be done.
So, while passing, by he threw up his hands and exclaimed:
“Allah have mercy on me! Not again! This road is infected with outlaws! A second gang of robbers is too much to meet in one day! How can I be so unlucky! Please, enjoy your loot and spare me this time! I have nothing left to take.
Surprised, the travellers protested with indignant voices:
“How dare you call us thieves, we are honest, peaceful merchants!"
"We are good Muslims from Medina, having our honest meal earned by Allah's will!"
“Now that is another thing altogether!" replied Nasreddin and sat immediately down on their carpet, close to the food and to the drinking jars.
"I am so lucky to find such honest and friendly people" the Hodja continued while stretching out his hand towards the food. "Thanks God, I am mistaken and you are alms-giving, brotherly Muslims.”
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