Too Clever to Be Wise Once there was a Scottish accountant. The business had been in the family for
Too Clever to Be Wise
Once there was a Scottish accountant. The business had been in the family for generations and generations. Over time, with the countless clients that had gone in and out of the office, the marble step in front of the building had developed a big, deep dip in it from all the wear and tear.
The accountant's friends kept telling him that he had better get it replaced, otherwise he'd be sued if anyone ever slipped and fell.
Reluctantly, the accountant called a stonemason to get a quote for the repairs. When the stonemason got there, the accountant demanded a price for a new step.
""Ah, big job,"" said the stonemason, ""But I suppose I could give you a new step for a hundred pounds.""
The accountant was stunned. ""Are you crazy, man? I can't pay you a hundred pounds!""Thinking about it for a second, he turned to the stonemason and asked, ""What would you charge me to dig up the step and turn it over so that the worn part is in the ground and I'd get a new square step?"" The stonemason hesitated. ""20 pounds.""
""Do it!"" Demanded the accountant. ""And call me when you're done.""
The accountant went back inside to read his books, but after only 15 minutes the stonemason rang the bell. As the accountant opened the door, he saw the stonemason standing there, pointing to a deep dip in the step. The stonemason laughed as he said, ""Your great-great-great granddaddy thought of that a hundred and fifty years ago!"""