There once was a king who ruled over a vast empire, but alas, he was rather old and thus decided that he needed to select his successor from his four sons. He called them in, one-by-one, to discuss the inheritance of his kingdom.

When the first son entered the king's chamber, the old man sat down and spoke: "Son, I am very old and will not live much longer. I wish to entrust my kingdom to the son best suited to receive it. Tell me, if I leave my kingdom to you, what will you give to the nation?" Now this son was very rich and so he replied, "I am a man of vast wealth. If you leave me your kingdom I will give it all my wealth and it will become the richest country in the world." "Thank you, my son," said the king, and then he dismissed him.

When the second son entered, the king spoke to h…