Page 91 - The Book of Rumi

“But you’re an insightful and intelligent man; in fact, you’re probably an
alchemist who can turn base metals into gold. Your knowledge is invaluable.
Be honest, tell me the truth, how much money have you got on you?”
“My dear fellow, I haven’t got a bean in the world. I walk barefoot and
suffer constantly from hunger, hoping to come across people who might take
pity on me and offer me a slice of dry bread,” confessed the wise man. “My
intelligence and insight have only brought me trouble and suffering.”
“Go away!” screamed the merchant suddenly. “Get out of my sight before
your cursed intelligence rubs off on me, too. Your knowledge will only bear
disaster for anyone you encounter, so get going before I kick you unconscious!
I’ll keep my sacks as they are, thank you very much. I’d much rather carry a
sackful of pebbles than listen to your miserable, useless advice. If you could
benefi t from your own knowledge, you already would have done so. So, go on
and get lost, you miserable creature.”
The merchant quickly mounted his camel, whipped and kicked her
mightily, and urged her to speed away as quickly as possible from the suppos-
edly wise man.

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