It happened once upon a time that someone approached Mullah Nasruddin, and said to him, “Mullah, you have studied, and so you must have the answer to this question. In all the world, what is the most valuable thing a person may receive.”

The Mullah stroked his beard and then replied, “Advice.”

The questioner had perhaps been expecting to hear about gold or jewels, and was rather surprised to hear this word. “I see. Then, so that I may see more clearly, please tell me, what is the most useless, the most worthless thing a person may receive?”

Without hesitation, Nasruddin replied, “Advice.”

Now, the questioner was very surprised. “Again advice? Perhaps I have not understood, Mullah. How can it be that advice is both the most valuable and the most useless thing?”

“It is very simple,” said Nasruddin. “Advice when it is taken can open the door to heaven. And when it is not taken, it is absolutely worthless.”