Rule #6

photo © kevmofoto.com

Two prime ministers were sitting in a room discussing affairs of state. Suddenly an aide burst in, shouting and banging his fists on the desk.

The resident prime minister quietly said, “Peter, kindly remember Rule Number Six.”

Peter was instantly restored to complete calm, apologized for the interruption, and left the room. The prime ministers resumed their discussion.

Several minutes later, another aide rushed in, shouting and stamping. Again the host prime minister calmly spoke, “Marie, please remember Rule Number Six.”

Marie calmed down immediately, apologized, and left the room.

After the scene was repeated a third time the visiting prime minister asked his colleague, “I’ve seen many things in my life, but never anything as remarkable as this. Tell me, what is this Rule Number Six?”

“Very simple," replied the resident prime minister. "Rule Number Six is ‘Don’t take yourself so damned seriously.’”

"Ah," said his visitor, "that is a fine rule."

After a moment of pondering, the visiting prime minister then inquired, “And what, may I ask, are the other rules?”

“There aren’t any.”

Thanks for reading. I'm glad you're here. // jm