The Golden Shadow

One day in Emperor Akbar’s court, a wealthy and arrogant man arrived, adorned in silks and gold. Standing tall before the emperor, he boasted loudly, “Your Majesty, I am so rich that even my shadow is golden!”

The courtiers murmured, amused and slightly annoyed by his prideful display. Akbar, curious and slightly amused himself, turned to Birbal. “Tell me, Birbal, can a man’s shadow truly hold any value?”

Without a word, Birbal instructed a servant to bring a shiny golden plate. He then walked over to where the wealthy man’s shadow fell and carefully placed the plate beneath it.

“Now,” Birbal said, “if your shadow is so valuable, sell it. Take the plate and leave the shadow behind.”

The man looked puzzled. “But… that’s not possible,” he stammered.

Birbal smiled. “Exactly. You can own all the gold in the world, but pride cannot turn illusions into substance. A shadow is just that a shadow. It grows heavier only when one is blinded by ego.”

Akbar laughed, impressed by the simple yet powerful message. The rich man, humbled by the moment, quietly stepped back.

Moral: Pride gives false weight to things that hold no real value.