As Strong as Young People

Nasreddin and his friends were discussing a crime done by young men in the town recently. Their topic soon changed into youth's morality at that time. They also compared the morality with one of the older people. It seemed that almost all of them agreed the conclusion that in general old people were wiser and better the the young people.

One of them said, "Although old people are wiser than young ones, young people are much stronger than old ones." After having a short discussion all the people agreed also to that opinion except Nasreddin. "Why don't you agree with us?" asked one of them. Nasreddin answered, "I can prove that old people are as strong as young people." "What do you mean? I think it's impossible!" one of them said. "Yes, the proof is I'm now as strong as I was when I was young," Nasreddin said.

The other persons asked him to prove his opinion. Nasreddin explained, "In the corner of our yard there was a big stone. When I was teenager I used to try to lift it up. I always failed because I was still young and not strong enough. I thought I should wait for some years. Now I'm old and when I tried to lift it up last week, I still could not do it. Therefore, my conclusion is I am as strong as I was when I was teenager. So, old people are as strong as young people."