Essence of Tact – By Brian Cavanaugh

A Sultan called in one of his seers and asked how long he would live. “Sire,” said the seer, “you would live to see all your sons dead.” The sultan flew into a rage and handed the prophet over to his guards for execution.


He then called for a second seer, and asked him the same question. “Sire,” said the prophet, “I see you blessed with long life, so long that you will outlive all your family.” The sultan was delighted and rewarded this seer with gold and silver jewelry.


Both prophets knew the truth, but one had tact, the other did not.