The Cart Without a Wheel

One day, a trader stormed into Emperor Akbar’s court, loudly complaining.

“Your Majesty,” he cried, “my cart lost a wheel while traveling on the royal road. It is the empire’s fault! Your roads are damaging the property of honest traders like me. I demand compensation!”

The courtiers murmured among themselves. Some nodded in agreement, while others looked skeptical. Akbar, intrigued by the accusation, turned to Birbal. “What do you make of this?” he asked.

Birbal requested to inspect the cart before passing any judgment.

Later that day, Birbal examined the cart carefully. Three of the wheels were strong, well-shaped, and properly secured. But the fourth wheel was clearly weak made of cheap wood, poorly fitted, and already cracked before the journey.

The next morning, back in court, Birbal addressed the emperor.

“Jahanpanah, the fault does not lie with the road,” he said. “The cart had three sturdy wheels, yet only one broke the one poorly crafted and weak from the start. The road merely revealed the flaw; it did not cause it.”

Turning to the trader, Birbal added, “Blaming the road will not fix your cart. You should first fix your work before pointing fingers at the world.”

Akbar smiled and nodded. “Once again, Birbal, your wisdom brings clarity. Responsibility begins with self, not with blame.”

The trader, embarrassed but enlightened, quietly accepted his mistake and withdrew.

Moral: The world is not always to blame often, the fault lies in our own lack of effort or care.