Three blind men sat in the market place. One said to the others: ‘Would it not be a wondrous thing to know the nature of an elephant?’ His companion agreed, ‘Yes, it would indeed be wondrous.’

A merchant standing nearby overheard the men’s conversation. He went over to the trio and said, ‘I have been listening to your conversation and I believe that I could get an elephant and bring it here to you. Is this something you would like?’ The three men nodded eagerly, saying, ‘Yes, oh please, sir. This would certainly help us to know the nature of an elephant.’

The merchant went away and returned several hours later, leading a docile pachyderm. The first blind man stood before the great beast and felt his long, muscular, curling trunk. As he sat down, the second man rose and, standing before the elephant, he felt the animal’s two sturdy front legs. Finally, the last blind man, who had been sitting behind the elephant, rose and felt the creature’s insubstantial tail. When they had all finished, the merchant led the elephant away.

 …