Title - Pride Blinds Us Once upon a time, in the grand court of Emperor Akbar, there was a minister who was very proud and arrogant. He could not stand the fact that Birbal, the Emperor’s favorite courtier, was always praised for his intelligence and quick wit. One morning, in front of the entire court, the minister said boastfully, “Emperor! I don’t understand why everyone thinks Birbal is so clever. I am just as wise as him—perhaps even wiser!” Emperor Akbar smiled quietly and turned to Birbal. “Birbal, would you like to respond to this claim?” Birbal bowed respectfully and said, “Your Majesty, I never compare myself with others. But perhaps a small test will help us know whose wisdom shines brighter.” The Emperor nodded in agreement. The Challenge Birbal looked at the minister and said, “Respected Minister, I challenge you to do something with open eyes that I will do with closed eyes.” The minister laughed loudly. “That sounds too easy! I accept, Birbal. What are we to do?” Birbal smiled mysteriously and asked a servant to bring a small pot of sand. Everyone in the court watched curiously as the pot was placed before them. Birbal then calmly closed his eyes and began to pour the sand over his own closed eyelids. After he was done, he turned to the minister and said politely, “There, I have done it with closed eyes. Now, respected Minister, please do the same—but with open eyes.” The Lesson The court fell silent. The minister froze, realizing what Birbal had just done. “What? Pour sand into my open eyes? That’s impossible! It will blind me!” he exclaimed. Birbal smiled and said softly, “True, Minister. Yet you accepted the challenge without thinking. You wanted to prove yourself wiser, but wisdom always thinks before acting.” Emperor Akbar burst into laughter and said, “Birbal, once again, your wit has opened our eyes—while keeping yours closed!” The court echoed with laughter, and the arrogant minister lowered his head in embarrassment. From that day on, he never tried to compete with Birbal again. Moral of the Story Arrogance blinds wisdom. Think before you speak or accept a challenge. True intelligence is calm, thoughtful, and humble