Mullah Nasruddin was sitting outside the local tea house, doing nothing and letting the sun shine on his beard, when a friend approached him with a face twisted with pain.

“Mullah,” said the man, “I need help. Please give me your advice.”

“What is the problem?” Nasruddin replied.

“I have a terrible headache,” the friend said. “My head has been pounding for three days! I can’t even see straight.”

“Ah,” said the Mullah gravely, “I know exactly what that is like. Recently I also had a pain for three days.”

“Yes? A headache, Mullah?”

“No, a toothache. Then I had the tooth removed, and I feel fine. I recommend that method.”