The Three Wise Men

The story of the three wise men is one oft told among common folk, and has many variations across the different races. However, a general version is as follows:

A long time ago, three men were left stranded on an island. One was a great mathematician, and another a great writer, while the third was a simple peasant. This island had the unique property of preventing one from considering oneself; to each of the men stranded, they were merely observers of the other two. After some deliberation, they decided to create a plan for escaping the island.

The mathematician said to the writer, "I see, sir, that you are much wiser than this peasant over here. Why don't you lead us in our endeavor to escape?"

The writer replied, "Nay, I beg to differ. Your wisdom seems to be much greater than that of this peasant, and thus I feel that you should lead."

At this disagreement, both fell into educated debate about the merits of the other and why one should lead over the other. Through all of this, the peasant sat quietly watching, somewhat insulted at their quick dismissal of his wit. Finally, ending their heated dispute, both turned to him and asked which was the wiser.

The peasant, who could see both the mathematician and the writer, rose up and said, "You two see two sides to the triangle, and I see the third. Without my input, your knowledge was incomplete. Had you bothered once to consult me, I could have told you one simple thing."

"What is that?" they asked in unison.

"Of the three of us, I am the wisest, for I waited to gain all three perspectives before making my judgement. You two, in your quick dismissal of me, neglected to realize that I could see what neither of you could see."

Somewhat miffed, but still curious, they asked, "And what is that?"

"You are both equal in intelligence."