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A flock of crows gathered in the wood to teach their little ones how to fly. Each was tested with a question: “What should we fear the most?” “An arrow,” replied the first fledging. The older birds flapped wings in approval, and the parents of the little bird were filled with pride. The crow council said, “You are one of us now.” A second fledging answered, “I believe the archer is more terrifying than the arrow. Without someone to shoot the arrow, the arrow is harmless.” The crow council replied, “Most true! Most true! You, also, are one of us now.” The third little crow spoke, “I think neither of the first two answers is correct.” The council, ruffling their feathers, asked, “What?” The young crow spoke, “It is not the archer with skill who is to be feared. A skillful archer always shoots true; therefore, we can judge where to fly to elude the arrow. An unskilled archer has not mastered his aim. The arrow may fly anywhere. So, where skill is lacking, there is much more danger.” All in the council cheered and flapped their wings in glee, knowing they were admitting to the council a very wise crow. They all bowed in humbleness before the youngster. After a time of brief deliberation, they appointed the fledging to be new leader of the council.
Possibly, being wise entails remembering some things that we forgot while trying to grow up.
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