Stop Trying So Hard!

There is a story about a wise old woman who had listened carefully to a gathering of malcontents tell her their problems. I have some advice for you, the woman said to them. “But first, I want you to write down the trouble that worries you most.” When they had done this, the woman placed all of the papers in a large jar. Then she said, Now I want each of you to draw out one of the papers and by all the laws of probability, each will have a brand new trouble to worry about. The malcontents proceeded to do as the wise old woman directed. The result: All of them, without exception, demanded to have their own trouble back!

We’ve heard the old cliche a million times: “there are no dumb questions” — but I’ve decided to pose one anyway. Here goes: “Is there anyone here today that is worried about something?”

Since all the laws of probability tell us most will answer…