How Many Madmen Are in This City? Ask Bahlool!

While Bahlool was in Basra, some people approached him and said, “O Bahlool, count for us the number of madmen in this city.”

Bahlool, with a sly smile, replied, “The madmen of this city are so numerous that they cannot be counted. However, if you like, I can count for you the wise and sensible ones—they are very few.”

His response, though humorous, carried a profound truth. Bahlool subtly pointed out that true wisdom and sanity are rare commodities in a world filled with folly and heedlessness.