Three friends, Tom, Dick, and Harry, were hiking in the woods when they stumbled upon a magical genie lamp. Excitedly, they rubbed the lamp and out popped the genie.
"I will grant each of you one wish," the genie announced.
Tom eagerly stepped forward and wished to be the richest man in the world. Poof! In an instant, Tom was surrounded by piles of gold and jewels.
Next, Dick wished to be the most handsome man in the world. Poof! In an instant, Dick's appearance transformed to that of a Greek god.
Finally, Harry thought for a moment before stating his wish. "I wish to be the smartest man in the world."
Poof! In an instant, Harry's appearance changed to that of Albert Einstein.
Excited with their newfound gifts, the three friends continued on their hike. Suddenly, they came across a river with a sign that read, "Only the truly wise can cross this river without a boat or bridge."
Tom confidently stepped forward and began walking across the river, using his newfound wealth to magically create a pathway of gold. He made it halfway across before the gold path collapsed and he fell into the water.
Next, Dick confidently stepped forward, using his newfound looks to charm the river into letting him pass. He made it three-quarters of the way across before his charm wore off and he too fell into the water.
Finally, Harry stepped forward, using his newfound intelligence to carefully analyze the situation. After a few moments, he walked over to the sign, turned it around, and confidently walked across the river on the newly revealed bridge.
The moral of the story? It's not always about what you have, but how you use it!