The Right Answer

In a bustling classroom, a teacher, keen to spark some historical discussion, posed an intriguing question to her young students. “I’ll give two dollars to the child who can tell me who the most famous man in history was,” she announced, her eyes scanning the eager faces before her.

Immediately, a hand shot up from an Irish boy named Sean. With confident enthusiasm, he declared, “It was St. Patrick!” The teacher smiled kindly but shook her head. “Sorry, Sean, that’s not correct,” she replied gently, encouraging him to keep thinking.

Next, a French boy, Pierre, raised his hand, his voice filled with national pride. “It was Napoleon!” he announced. Again, the teacher offered a polite correction. “I’m sorry, Pierre, that’s not right either,” she said, ensuring everyone understood that while these figures were significant, they weren’t quite the answer she was looking for.

A moment of quiet reflection settled over the classroom as the children pondered the monumental question. Then, a hand tentatively rose from a Jewish boy named Maurice. When called upon, he thoughtfully stated, “It was Jesus Christ.”

A warm smile spread across the teacher’s face. “That’s exactly right, Maurice! Come up here and I’ll give you two dollars,” she said, pleased with his insightful answer. As Maurice approached, she handed him the money, a slight look of surprise on her face. “You know Maurice,” she began, her voice reflecting a hint of curiosity, “you being Jewish, I was very surprised you said Jesus Christ.”

Maurice, clutching his two dollars, offered a wry, knowing smile in response. “Yes,” he affirmed, “although I knew deep down that it was Moses, business is business.” His candid remark brought a chuckle to the teacher, highlighting a humorous perspective on the pursuit of reward and the pragmatism of youth.