Can we change character?

photo by olia danilevich

There was an intelligent Sultan who enjoyed reading anything about science, education, religion, and philosophy. After his readings, he regularly went on to ask questions to his Viziers at the Imperial Council about his readings.

At one of the Councils, he asked his viziers whether “education” or “character” is more important. The Viziers started discussing the related topic among each other before answering the Sultan. After some time of discussion, they chose the Grand-Vizier to answer the Sultan’s question directed at them.

Grand-Vizier replied: His Excellency, we have decided on ‘Character’. We think that it is more important than ‘education’.

The Sultan said: “I don’t agree with you. I claim that ‘education’ is more important than ‘character’. I will prove this to you!”

To prove his claim, he decided to arrange a competition between the animal trainers. He asked the winner of the best animal talent competition:

“Can you teach your smart cat anything? I will give you one hundred gold coins. ”

The animal trainer answered: “Yes, my Sultan, anything you want, just tell me.”

The Sultan smiled and asked the animal trainer: “For example, can you teach your cat to serve a cup of coffee to me in the presence of my Viziers?”