It happened once upon a time that Mullah Nasruddin loaded his donkey with sacks of carrots and onions and potatoes to take to the market.

When he was ready, though, the donkey refused to move. Nasruddin pulled on the halter, and not a hoof stirred. He shouted, and the donkey ignored him. He got behind the donkey and pushed, and nothing happened.

Finally, he got a stick, and holding it in front of the donkey, said, “I warn you! If you don’t walk, I shall have to beat you!”

The obstinate donkey paid no attention. Therefore, Nasruddin began to strike the animal, shouting abuse as well.

Soon people began to gather – and of course, to make comments. “How can you treat a poor animal that way?” said one. “Merciless tyrant!” said another. “You should get as many blows as you give,” said a third. “To see a mullah so cruel is shocking!” said a fourth.

Then Nasruddin paused in his beating, and said to the donkey: “If I had known that you had so many relatives to defend you, I would have treated you differently.”

And suddenly the people all thought of something else they needed to do.