A Bright Idea

The richest man in a Chinese town many years ago was old and ill. He called his three sons to him and said, “I have a challenge for you. “I’ll reward the son who is the most intelligent.Each of you take one coin and buy something that will fill my room.”

The oldest son went to the market, but at first he could not decide whether he should buy flowers or straw. Finally he thought, “Flowers take up less space than straw. And they are more expensive.” So he bought straw. The second son also went to the market but he could not decide whether to buy paper or feathers. “Feathers are lighter than paper. And they are cheaper.” So he bought feathers. The youngest son thought and thought, “What can I buy with this coin that will fill a whole room?” At last he found his answer and bought something.  

That evening, the three sons returned to their father’s room, each with his gift. The oldest son spread his straw, but it covered only one small corner; the second spread the feathers, but they filled only two corners. Quietly, the youngest son showed a candle and lighted it with a match. The whole dark room filled with a warm glow.

The old man smiled and said, “You are my youngest son, but you are the cleverest. The reward is yours.”