The Story Begins
A young man and his beautiful wife lived in a village. The village leader (moral) developed bad intentions toward the wife and planned how to send the young man away from home for a few days.
The Leader's Plan
The leader announced: "Some people are needed in a factory in the city. Who wants to go?"
He selected 4 men, including the young man. The next day, they left for the city.
The Night Visit
That night, the leader went to the young man's house. He made noise on the dark porch. The wife woke up and asked, "Who's there?"
The leader revealed his true intentions: "No peace of mind since I saw you! I want you."
The Wife's Wisdom
Instead of getting angry, the wife calmly said: "It's okay if you want love, but answer my question first. If you answer correctly, your heart's desire will be fulfilled."
Her Question: "We use salt to protect meat from rotting. But if the salt itself is damaged, how can we protect the meat?"
The Search for Answer
The leader thought for days but couldn't find the answer. He asked everyone in the village, but nobody could answer satisfactorily.
Finally, an old man who had been silently listening spoke up.
The True Meaning
The old man explained: "This is not just a question - it's a silent message! The wife could have insulted you, but instead she tried to awaken your conscience."
"Salt protects meat from rotting. But if the salt itself is destroyed, who will protect the meat?"
Meaning: If common people make mistakes, leaders show them the right path. But if leaders themselves go astray, who will protect the people?
The Moral of the Story
Leaders
If leaders go astray, who will protect the nation?
Parents
If parents go astray, who will guide their children?
Teachers
If teachers lose their way, who will spread knowledge?
The Power of Wisdom
Sometimes the most powerful response is not anger, but wisdom that awakens conscience and teaches valuable lessons.
