The Biggest Fool

An ancient king presented his court jester with a beautiful wand. “I give you this trophy,” said the king, “to symbolize your status as the greatest fool in my kingdom. You are to keep it until you can give it to a greater fool than yourself.”

The court jester good-naturedly accepted the award. Years later, the king was dying and asked to see the jester. “I want to say goodbye,” he said. “I am going on a long journey that will last forever.” The jester then asked, “What have you done to prepare for this great trip?” “Nothing whatever,” the king replied. “Since I don’t know exactly what to expect from this long journey, there is nothing to be done.” To which the jester replied, “Then take this wand. You are the biggest fool of all!”

The late actor Sean Connery starred in an adventure film with Michael Caine entitled “The Man Who Would Be King.” Each plays the part of an ex-sergeant —…