It happened once upon a time that two men came to the door of Mullah Nasruddin’s house, and asked him if he could make a judgement between them.

The Mullah put on his largest turban, stroked his beard wisely, and said, “What is the nature of your dispute?”

“We are brothers,” they replied, “and our father has just passed away, may God have mercy on his soul. Now we cannot agree about the division of his property. He was a farmer, with no money, but he wrote our names on everything he had, one name on the axe, the other name on the plow, one on the shovel, the other on the hoe, and so on.”

“Your father was very wise,” said Nasruddin.  “If he has already assigned all his goods to one or the other of you, what is there to argue about?”

“The problem is that the property should be divided evenly,” said one, “but my brother got a bigger share.”

“That’s not true,” said the other.  “My share is smaller.  My brother should give me something from his to make it even.”

Nasruddin thought for a minute. “Very well,” he said, “each of you go and put all that has your name on it in a cart, and bring it here.  Then I will make my judgement.”

In a little while the two brothers returned, each hauling a cart piled high with household goods and farm implements.

“You see, Mullah,” said one, “my brother’s load is worth much more than mine.  I should receive something from his cart to make things equal.”

“Not at all,” protested the other.  “Anyone can see my brother’s load is worth more.  I should have something from his cart.”

The Mullah waved his hand dismissively.  “There is no need for that. Here is my judgement. It is very simple.  You,” he said, pointing to one brother, “take your brother’s cart, and you,” he said, pointing to the other brother, “take his cart.”

And with that, the Mullah went inside and closed his door.