Story Summary
Discover the wit of Nasrudin and the Ferry. This Sufi tale explores how a humble boatman’s practical wisdom humbles a scholar during a life-threatening storm.
Mulla Nasrudin was once working as a ferryman, rowing passengers across a wide, turbulent river. One day, a pompous scholar boarded his boat. As they reached the middle of the river, the scholar asked, 'Tell me, Nasrudin, have you ever studied grammar or linguistics?' Nasrudin shook his head and replied, 'No, I have not.' The scholar scoffed, 'Then I am afraid half your life has been wasted!' Nasrudin remained silent and continued rowing. Suddenly, the boat hit a submerged rock and began to fill rapidly with water. As the vessel started to sink, Nasrudin turned to the panicked scholar and asked, 'Tell me, learned sir, have you ever learned how to swim?' The scholar, trembling with fear, cried out, 'No, I have never had the time!' Nasrudin sighed and said, 'In that case, your whole life is wasted, for the boat is sinking!'
The Moral
Practical wisdom and life skills are often more valuable than theoretical knowledge or academic arrogance.
“Half your life may be gone for lack of grammar, but your whole life is gone if you cannot swim!”
Fun Fact
Mulla Nasrudin is a beloved figure in many cultures and is known by different names, such as Hodja in Turkey, Juha in Arab countries, and Afanti in China.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Nasrudin and the Ferry?
The story teaches that theoretical knowledge is useless if it cannot help you survive real-world challenges. It highlights the importance of practical skills over intellectual vanity.
Who is Mulla Nasrudin in Sufi tradition?
Mulla Nasrudin is a satirical Sufi figure known for his wisdom disguised as foolishness. He appears in thousands of folk tales across the Middle East and Central Asia.
What does the river symbolize in this story?
The river symbolizes the journey of life and its unpredictable dangers. It represents a situation where abstract theories cannot replace the necessity of direct action and experience.
Why did Nasrudin ask the scholar about swimming?
He asked to demonstrate the scholar's vulnerability. It was a clever reversal of the scholar's earlier insult regarding Nasrudin's lack of formal education.
What is the origin of the Nasrudin and the Ferry story?
This story is a classic Sufi teaching tale, often attributed to the 13th-century philosopher Nasrudin Hodja, used to teach humility to students and intellectuals.
How does this story critique intellectualism?
It critiques the arrogance that often accompanies high learning. It suggests that being 'learned' in books does not equate to being 'wise' in the art of living.