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 When Socrates was at the zenith of glory and fame, some dynamic young Greeks beat a path to his doors for a chance to learn from the great man. But there were two 'smart guys' who devised a strategy to test the 'real wisdom' of Socrates. One of them said to the other, "Look, I'll carry a small bird in my hand and cover it with the other palm.
I'll carry it covered in my hands to Socrates and ask him, "There's a bird in my hand. Can you tell me whether it's alive or dead?" If Socrates says it's alive I'll squeeze the bird to death and if he says it's dead; I'll open my hands and let the bird fly away! So either way Socrates will be proved wrong".
"Brilliant idea" said his friend and both of them went to meet Socrates with the bird covered in the hands. Socrates was seated on the pedestal of knowledge. His greying beard and lined face glistened in the sun. Said one of the youths to Socrates, "There's a bird in my hand which I have covered with my palms. Can you tell me wise man, whether it's alive or dead?"
There was a grave silence in the audience. The great Socrates smiled nonchalantly and said "Young man, the answer is in your hands"!
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