There is something that most of us say about the weather and that is, if you don’t like the weather around here, wait five minutes and it is sure to change. In fact, we may find that getting an accurate weather forecast is one of the most difficult things that we face in life. It doesn’t stop us from watching the weather on the news every night, it’s just that we don’t put much weight into what they say. Apparently, it has been that way for centuries and this little story about a king going fishing will point that out and put a smile on your face.
Once upon a time, there was a king who wanted to go fishing. He called the royal weather forecaster and asked about the upcoming weather conditions.
The weatherman assured him that there was no chance of rain in the days ahead.
So the king went fishing with his wife, the queen. On the way, he met a farmer on his donkey. Upon seeing the king the farmer said, “Your Majesty, you should return to the palace at once because in just a short time I expect a huge amount of rain to fall in this area”.
The king was polite and considerate, he replied: “I hold the palace meteorologist in high regard. He is an extensively educated and experienced professional. And besides, I pay him very high wages. He gave me a very different forecast. I trust him and I will continue on my way.”
A short time later a torrential rain fell from the sky. The king and queen were totally soaked. Their entourage chuckled upon seeing them in such a drenched condition.
Furious, the king returned to the palace and fired the weatherman at once!
Then he summoned the farmer and offered him the prestigious and high paying role of Royal Forecaster.
The farmer said, “Your Majesty, I do not know anything about forecasting. I obtain my information from my donkey. If I see my donkey’s ears drooping, it means with certainty that it will rain:’
So the king hired the donkey.