Two Drops of Oil
A merchant sent his son to learn the Secret of Life from the wisest of men. The young man wandered through the desert for forty days until he reached a beautiful castle at the top of a mountain. There lived the sage that the young man was looking for. The wise man welcomed our hero with a smile. With considerable patience, he listened attentively to the reason for the boy's visit, but told him that unfortunately, at that moment, he did not have the time to explain to him the Secret of Life. He suggested that the young man take a stroll around his palace and come back in two hours' time. "However, I want to ask you a favor," the wise man added, handing the boy a teaspoon, in which he poured two drops of oil. "While you walk, carry this spoon and don't let the oil spill." The young man began to climb up and down the palace staircase...