The Silent Minister

In the royal court of Emperor Akbar, discussions were lively, and ministers often debated matters of state with passion and pride. Yet, one minister always remained silent never offering an opinion, never engaging in debate.

One day, Akbar, curious and slightly skeptical, leaned over to Birbal and asked, “Tell me, Birbal this minister never speaks. Is his silence a sign of wisdom, or simply fear and ignorance?”

Birbal smiled, as if expecting the question. “Your Majesty, allow me to show you the answer.”

The next day, Birbal arrived at court with a complex wooden puzzle a cleverly designed lock with hidden mechanisms. He handed it to the silent minister in front of the court and said, “If you would, solve this.”

The minister quietly took the puzzle in his hands. While the others looked on with amusement, he examined it with calm focus. Within moments, he solved it effortlessly, placing it on the table without saying a word.

Akbar watched with raised brows.

Birbal then said, “Your Majesty, this man’s silence is not weakness. It is restraint. He listens, observes, and when the time comes, acts with precision. Still waters run deep and often carry the most depth.”

Akbar nodded thoughtfully. “You’re right, Birbal. Wisdom doesn’t always speak sometimes, it simply waits for the right moment.”

From that day, the silent minister was seen with greater respect, his quiet presence no longer mistaken for absence of thought.

Moral: Silence is not always empty sometimes, it holds the deepest wisdom.