Once a certain king thought that he would never fail in anything if he always knew three things. First, he wished to know the right time to begin every action. Second, he wished to know which people were the most important to listen to. And third, he wished to know what was the most important thing to do. So the king sent a message through all his kingdom. He promised a great reward to anyone who could teach him these three things. Many learned men came to the king, but they all answered his questions differently. To the first question, some men said that the king must plan his days, months, and years in advance, and then live strictly by his plan. Others said that nobody could decide the right time beforehand. Instead, the king should watch everything that happened, and do what was needed at each moment. Others said that the king needed a council of wise men to help him choose the right time. To the second question, some said that the king most needed his ministers. Others said the priests, or the doctors, or the soldiers. To the third question, some answered that the most important thing in the world was science. Others said that it was war, and others said that it was religion. The answers were all so different that the king agreed with none of them. He gave the reward to nobody. But he still wished to find the true answers to his questions. So he decided to visit a hermit who was famous for his wisdom.