Koon Yew Yin 3^rd Dec 2016

As you all know, Mr. KC Chong and I have a problem. I slept with the problem last night and when I woke up this morning, I found a solution in my hand. It is not a wet solution. It is a solid one that can really resolve our differences.

For a start we both are old and we should know that no one can win an argument, if we continue arguing. We must find a solution. Let me tell you an interesting  tale by which we can find a good solution.

A rich father left 17 gold coins to his 3 sons and the rest of his asset to charity because he knew he could not take any money with him when he passed away.

When the man passed away, his 3 sons opened up the will.

The will stated that the eldest son should be given half of the 17 coins.

The middle son should be given one third of the 17 coins.

The youngest son should be given one ninth of the 17 coins.

As it is not possible to divide 17 by 2, or 17 by 3 or 17 by 9, they started to fight with each other. 

So, in believing there was a solution, they decided to find it. They went to see a wise man, who lived in a nearby cave.  He listened patiently and thought for a while. He gave one of his gold coins to help them solve the problem. With the addition of 1 coin the total number of coins was 17 + 1 = 18.

He gave each of them their share as according to the will. 

The eldest son was give half of 18 = 9 coins

The idle son was given 1/3 of 18 = 6 coins

The youngest son was given 1/9 of 18 = 2 coins.

Totaling 9 + 6 + 2 = 17 coins.

The wise man took back his coin and everyone went away happily. 

Moral: The attitude of negotiation and problem solving is to find the 18^th coin i.e. the common ground. Once we are able to find the common ground, the issue is resolved. It is difficult at times.

However, to reach a solution, the first step is to believe that there is a solution.

I trust KC Chong will forgive me for all the bad things I said that caused the misunderstanding.