Akbar asked Birbal to look for five biggest idiots in his state and produce them in his court within a month.
After a month's extensive search operations, Birbal brought to the court only two persons.
"But I asked for five", Akbar angrily asked. "Give me a chance to present them one by one", Birbal pleaded and went on to present his idiots:
"Maharaj, this man, while travelling in a bullock cart, was keeping his luggage on his head so as not to hurt the bullocks. He is the first idiot.Pointing to the second man Birbal continued, "And this man here is the second idiot. Some grass grew on the roof of his thatched house and he was trying to force his cow climb up a ladder to graze on them."
Birbal continued, "Maharaj, there were a lot of important jobs for me to do in the state, but I ignored them and wasted a precious month in searching for idiots. According to me I am the third idiot."
Birbal paused here for a moment.
"Who are the fourth and fifth idiots?", Akbar thundered.
"Beg your pardon, Maharaj", Birbal continued, "You are the king and are responsible for the well being of the entire state and its people. You need wise persons to help you oversee the state affairs. Instead of looking for wise people you engaged me to look for idiots. According to me you are the fourth idiot.
And, Maharaj, the person who is glued to this blog site, keeping aside all his high priority assignments, oblivious of pressing needs of his family, just to learn who is the fifth idiot, is the fifth idiot himself. You will not find a better idiot to beat this one. What do you say, Maharaj?", Birbal concluded.
Akbar said, "Post it immediately in all groups, Social media and where ever possible. Lots of idiots are eagerly waiting".