Heed the Words of the Wise Old Master this Memorial Day

I was reminded recently of a story of the Wise Old Master. It seemed appropriate on this day (of all days!)

The Wise Old Master summoned the Impatient Young Pupil before him and challenged him with a riddle.

"Can you tell me," said the Wise Old Master, "which comes first, four or five?"

"That's easy," declared the Impatient Young Pupil defiantly. "Four comes first. Five comes after four."

"No, no." chuckled the Wise Old Master softly. "Such idiocy is hardly surprising in one so young and impatient as yourself. Five, not four, comes first."

"Impossible!" cried the Impatient Young Pupil furiously. "One, two, three, four, five! See here." The Impatient Young Pupil began counting off on his fingers. "One comes before two. Two comes before three. Three comes before four. and four comes before five."

"So stupid," gently chuckled the the Wise Old Master. "Now the error of your ways is made apparent."

"What do you mean?" said the Impatient Young Pupil hotly.

"Simply this," said the Wise Old Master. "Five comes before four when you are counting in alphabetical order."

The Wise Old Master is always right, no matter what. You, on the other hand, are always wrong.

So don't mess with the Wise Old Master.