*ADVENTURES OF GOODBOY*
Later in the evening, Goodboy and Osei Wusu visited the general’s house with the King’s entourage. As soon as he saw the baby sleeping next to the mother, Osei Wusu began his business pitch:
“Dear General, just from the looks on the face of the baby, I can tell you that he will be a greater general than yourself. He will win several battles, vanquish mighty foes and spread the flag of GoodNation far and wide. From the tilt of his nose, I can predict that his fame will spread far and wide. The dimple on his chin portends a happy married life for him. He will have many sons who will continue your family name.”
The king was very pleased to hear such sweet words. “And what can you say about this baby’s future, Goodboy?”, the King asked.
Before Goodboy could say anything, Osei Wusu, in his moment of glory, blurted, “Go on Goodboy, you can correctly identify the pot of gold from observation. Surely, you can deduce many things about the baby’s future by looking at him. May be you should look around the baby as well”, he chuckled arrogantly.
Goodboy said with a smile, “Your Majesty, the pot of gold has no life. A human being or anything alive is completely different. Making simplistic predictions about them is stupid because there are so many factors affecting their lives every day. I am confident in my abilities when it comes to observing what is in the nature, but I am neither arrogant nor stupid to claim expertise in what will happen in future. It is true that some people make a business out of i exploiting the greed and fear of others. But as a keen observer of the glorious complexities and connectedness of life, I will never attempt to make such futile predictions.”
“That is just an excuse to cover up your lack of knowledge and abilities, Goodboy”, thundered Osei Wusu clearly insulted, “Gurus like me are learned in the science of prediction and have been blessed by such divine abilities.”
Goodboy bowed to the King and said, “the only observation this humble servant of your majesty can make here is that the baby is a girl.” Osei Wusu was shocked.
“I was waiting for an opportunity to mention that,” said the general smiling, “the messenger in the court this morning had made a mistake.”
The King turned to look at Osei Wusu. But he had already fallen at the King’s feet ashamed and scared.
The next day, King Bediako issued a proclamation banning the business of taking money to make predictions about people’s lives.
