The once a century scheme

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There are no old tricks, only old people. A hoax is new, once in every generation and humans are proven to never learn from history. Once in each lifetime it works. Some turns of mind are therefore worth to remember, as they will happen again. You may need to defend yourself against them or even use them when in need. This reminds me of a story:

Nasruddin, adorned with an imposing turban, sat down at the fair, on a beautiful silken carpet, with a dancing snake, a flute and a tall, expensive looking jar by his side. He left the snake rest (it was an old tired one, totally harmless) but proclaimed to everyone to hear, in a voice vibrant with optimism and mysterious promise:

“Throw one akçe in this pitcher at my feet and I will whisper into your ear the unfailing recipe of earning much money without toil!”

The market being crowded, many people put their coin in hodja’s vase. To each, Nasruddin murmured his secret. Each departed somewhat thoughtful, most nodding approvingly. The more the pitcher was filled with little coins, the more people were itching to learn the secret. This is normal, if you consider.

By the time the jar was full with coins to the brim, the subashi came and asked severely:

“What do you think you are doing here, Hodja? Deceiving people?”
“Not at all, Effendi,” answered Nasruddin, “I am teaching them plain truth in exchange of payment.”
“And what is that truth?”
“Toss in your coin and I will tell you too.”
“Here it is. Let me hear your truth. How on earth to earn money without toil?”

Hodja leaned forward and whispered:
“Use my secret sparingly. This works only one first time but it can get you rich.”

He paused and added:
“To earn money without toil, do as I do now.”

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