Always look on the bright side of life. For a confident mind a kick in the pants is a step forward and a near miss – a blessing in disguise. Aim to turn a doubtful honour into apparent success. This reminds me of a story:
The Mullah rode back from Konya as fast as his donkey could, impatient to break the news. Once in Aksehir, he headed straight to the market and cried out for everyone to hear:
"The King talked to me! He talked to me even as we met for the first time!"
The villagers were quite impressed. Everyone ran to spread the word.
"Timur talked to our Mullah!"
Only the village idiot, sitting on a rock next to the fountain, remained with Nasreddin.
"Tell me Hodja," he asked, while toying with a fistful of dirt, "How did such a thing happen? What did the King say to you?"
"It was most unexpected! I was quietly riding my donkey by the big fountain in Konya when suddenly, a party arrived on horseback and with a great voice, Tamerlane the Padishah told me: Get out of my way!
The Mullah rode back from Konya as fast as his donkey could, impatient to break the news. Once in Aksehir, he headed straight to the market and cried out for everyone to hear:
"The King talked to me! He talked to me even as we met for the first time!"
The villagers were quite impressed. Everyone ran to spread the word.
"Timur talked to our Mullah!"
Only the village idiot, sitting on a rock next to the fountain, remained with Nasreddin.
"Tell me Hodja," he asked, while toying with a fistful of dirt, "How did such a thing happen? What did the King say to you?"
"It was most unexpected! I was quietly riding my donkey by the big fountain in Konya when suddenly, a party arrived on horseback and with a great voice, Tamerlane the Padishah told me: Get out of my way!