Sometimes, the biggest solution to a huge problem is very small and close to us. This is a story about a king who wanted to cover the world in leather but discovered that just covering his feet was enough.
The King's Sore Feet and the Wise Minister's Idea
In a rich and prosperous kingdom, people lived happily under the rule of a kind king. One day, the king decided to go on a long journey to visit historical sites and interact with his people. To be closer to them, he decided to travel on foot.
The people in distant places were overjoyed to see their king and talk with him, and they were proud of his kind heart. After several weeks of travel, the king returned to his palace. He was happy to have seen his people living a prosperous life, but he had one problem.
His feet were swollen and blistered, and he was in unbearable pain, as it was his first time walking such a long distance. He complained to his ministers, "The roads are harsh and full of sharp stones! I am very worried for my people who have to walk on these painful roads every day!"
Driven by his kindness, he gave a strange order: "I command you to cover all the roads of the kingdom with leather! So that my people can walk in comfort and safety."
The ministers were stunned when they heard the order. This would mean slaughtering thousands of cows and spending an enormous amount of money! It was nearly impossible. Silence filled the hall, as no one dared to oppose the king.
Suddenly, a wise minister stepped forward and said calmly, "Your Majesty, I have another idea." The king asked him curiously for the alternative.
The wise minister said, "Instead of covering all the roads with leather, why don't we just cut two small pieces of leather in the right shape to cover your feet, my King?"
The king was utterly amazed by this simple yet brilliant suggestion and praised his minister's wisdom. Immediately, he ordered a pair of leather shoes for himself and requested all his countrymen to also wear shoes to protect their feet.
🎯 Enrichment & Learning
Values and Lessons Learned
- Change Yourself, Not the World: The core lesson is that it is easier and wiser to change ourselves and adapt to our environment rather than trying to change everything around us.
- Simple Solutions are Often Best: A practical, small solution is often more effective than a huge, complicated one.
- The Value of Wise Counsel: Listening to the advice of others, especially wise people, can lead us to solutions we hadn't considered.
- Practical Thinking: The king's empathy was noble, but the minister's practical solution was what actually solved the problem without huge costs.
Comprehension Questions
- Why were the king's feet hurting him?
- What was the king's first order to solve the problem of the stony roads?
- Why were the ministers shocked by the king's order?
- What was the wise minister's suggestion?
- What did the king do for himself and his people in the end?
Critical Thinking Questions
- Do you think the king's first idea came from kindness or from personal discomfort? Why?
- What makes the minister's idea "wise" and not just "clever"?
- Can you think of an example from today's life where people try to change their environment instead of adapting to it?
Practical Application Questions
- Think of a time you were annoyed by something (like a noisy room). Did you try to change the whole situation, or did you change something about yourself (like putting on headphones)?
- What is one small thing you can change in your daily habits to make your day better?
- How do you decide when to ask for help or advice on a problem you are facing?
🎨 Interactive Content
Fun Activities
- Invention Challenge: Design a new type of shoe for a specific purpose (e.g., a shoe for walking on clouds, or a shoe for jumping high).
- Drawing Game: Draw a "before" scene (the king with sore feet on a stony road) and an "after" scene (the king walking happily in his new shoes).
- Fun Debate: Divide into two groups. One group argues for the king's original plan (because it helps everyone!), and the other group argues for the minister's plan (because it's more practical).
Short Description for Sharing (150 characters)
A king with sore feet orders to cover the world in leather! A wise minister suggests a much simpler, smarter idea that changes everything.