The Foolish Brothers – The Danger of Knowledge Without Wisdom

As King Vikram carried Betal on his shoulders, Betal began telling the tale of four foolish brothers. Long ago, four brothers decided to learn different skills and set out on separate paths to master their chosen fields. After ten years of dedicated study, they reunited to demonstrate the knowledge they had gained.

The first brother boasted, “I can create the skeleton of an animal using a single bone.” The second brother proudly declared, “I can cover that skeleton with flesh and skin.” The third brother added, “I can grow fur on the flesh-covered skeleton to make it look lifelike.” Finally, the fourth brother proclaimed, “I have the power to put life into any creature.”

To test their skills, they found a single bone lying on the ground, unaware that it belonged to a lion. The first brother used his ability to craft a full lion skeleton from the bone. The second brother added flesh and skin, forming the shape of a lion. The third brother then covered it with fur, making it look like a real, yet lifeless, lion. With confidence, the fourth brother breathed life into the creature.

The moment the lion sprang to life, it immediately attacked and killed all four brothers. Their knowledge, though advanced, was applied without foresight or wisdom, leading to their untimely demise.

At the end of the story, Betal asked Vikram, “Who among the four brothers is to blame for their deaths?” Vikram replied, “The fourth brother was responsible, as he gave life to the lion without considering the danger. Knowledge without wisdom is reckless.”

Impressed by Vikram’s answer, Betal agreed, “You have spoken wisely. Knowledge is valuable only when paired with good judgment.” Saying this, Betal flew back to his tree.

**Moral:** Knowledge without wisdom can be dangerous. True intelligence lies not only in learning skills but in using them with foresight and responsibility.