The Brahmin and the Goat
In a small village in ancient India, a Brahmin named Mitra was performing a religious ceremony. As a gift for his services, a wealthy devotee gave him a plump, healthy goat. Mitra was delighted; he slung the goat over his shoulders and began the long walk back to his home, dreaming of the milk and wool the animal would provide.
Along the road, three hungry crooks watched him pass. They wanted the goat for their own dinner, but they knew Mitra was strong and would not give it up without a fight. "We cannot take it by force," the first crook whispered. "We must take it by trickery." They quickly devised a plan and spread themselves out along the path, a few hundred metres apart.
As Mitra approached, the first crook called out, "Honourable Brahmin, why are you carrying a filthy dog on your shoulders? Surely a man of your status should not touch such an unclean creature!" Mitra laughed. "A dog? Open your eyes, fool! This is a fine goat." He continued on his way, shaking his head.
A little further on, the second crook met him. He looked horrified. "Sir! Why do you carry a dead calf upon your back? It is a heavy burden for a man of your age." Mitra stopped, a flicker of doubt crossing his mind. He looked at the goat. It looked like a goat. It felt like a goat. "It is a goat!" he barked, though his voice was slightly less certain.
Finally, the third crook approached. He burst into laughter. "What a strange sight! A Brahmin carrying a donkey! Is your horse tired, sir?" Mitra's heart sank. He thought to himself, "One man might be mistaken, but three? Perhaps this creature is a demon that changes shape!" Terrified that he was carrying a cursed beast, Mitra dropped the goat and ran all the way home. The three crooks laughed, picked up the goat, and enjoyed a massive feast, all because they knew that if you repeat a lie often enough, even a wise man will start to believe it.
