One afternoon, the Prime Minister was approached by one of his Premiers. “Most High,” the Premier complained, “my province was eighth in growth last quarter.”
“Are there worse than you?” the Prime Minister asked.
“Why, yes, there are,” the Premier admitted.
“Then, be thankful,” the Prime Minister advised.
The next day, a different Premier sought an audience with the Prime Minister. “Most High,” the Premier complained, “my province had the lowest growth in all the land last quarter.”
“Did you have the worst unemployment?” the Prime Minister asked.
“Why, no, we didn’t,” the Premier admitted.
“Then, be thankful,” the Prime Minister advised.
On the third day, yet another Premier wished the ear of the Prime Minister. “Most High,” he complained, “my province has the greatest unemployment of any in the country.”
The Prime Minister carefully considered this Premier’s plight. At length, he asked: “Does the sun shine brightly in the sky?”
“Yes,” the Premier, bewildered, replied, “it does.”
“Then,” the Prime Minister advised, “enjoy the day and be thankful.”
* * *
The President was approached by the Secretary of the Interior. “My leader,” he said, “why must money from our coffers be spent on arms when, instead, it could be put towards much needed social programmes?”
“There is a balance in all things,” the President answered, “which we can only hope to do our part in keeping.”
“But, are we not committed to destroying our foe?” the Secretary asked further.
“That destiny does appear manifest,” the President stated.
“Would that not upset the balance which we have attempted to maintain?” the Secretary revealed his troubled mind.
“Undoubtedly,” the President admitted with equanimity. “Yet, a new balance will arise from the ashes of the old. Could we not just as fervently serve it?”
* * *
The Prime Minister was approached by a Protester. “Sir,” the Protester asked simply, “do we live in a class society?”
“Yes,” the Prime Minister answered.
“Is this just?” the Protester continued.
The Prime Minister shrugged. “Perhaps not,” he replied, “But our world is ordered such that every person therein must have something towards which he can strive.”
“But, what of you?” the Protestor asked. “You are head of state, successful at your chosen profession, admired by all. Towards what do you strive?”
“The simplicity of a child.”
* * *
Three children were led into the presence of the President. “My daddy really like you,” the first child said.
The President smiled.
“My daddy thinks you’re doing a great job,” the second child said.
The President smiled.
“My daddy thinks you stink,” the third child said.
The President hugged the third child and they spoke happily at length. Later, an Adviser who had witnessed the scene approached the President. “Sir,” he asked, “why did you lavish attention on the child who mocked you, yet merely smiled at the children who praised you?”
“Need the dragon waste his fiery breath on those who already believe in his existence?” was the sage response.
* * *
The President and the Prime Minister met to discuss the most weighty affairs of the day. “Mr. President,” the Prime Minister asked, “what is the nature of power?”
“Power,” the President responded, “is an end in itself.”
The Prime Minister reflected. “But, can we not use power as a means towards a specific end…a just end?”
“Power once used,” the Prime Minister explained, “is power dissipated which can never be regained. Thus, we horde our power as a precious thing.”
“What use is there, then?” the Prime Minister despaired.
“While we bide out time,” the President said, “we can find the answers to all the important questions…”
“What questions?” the Prime Minister asked.
“What is the nature of power?” the President responded.
How deep run the waters of western philosophy!