lack of concentration and the consequences thereof

[jayrandom]

'After dinner, all went well. One of the lady guests was wearing an engraved base-metal plaque on a gold chain around her neck. This was a "precious talisman for safety" given her by a Real Sheek at the Pyramids. She asked me to translate the Arabic words on it.'

'And did you manage to read it?'

'Oh, yes. It said:
Please do not talk to the driver of this motor-coach.
Lack of concentration can cause accidents.'

I said, 'Surely you didn't tell her that?'

The Sheikh stroked his beard. 'I managed all right. I acted in accordance with the wise injunction. "When the lion buys a fiddle, it is time to learn to dance". I translated only the second sentence on the pendant - and she was delighted.'

'Well done, Sheikh Firoz!' I said.


-- Idries Shah, "Darkest England".