The Learned Man and the Boatman

Copy 1: 100–120 Words

There was a poor boatman in a village. He could not read or write. He rowed his boat from morning to evening to feed his family.

One day, a learned man got into his boat. The man asked, “Do you know history?” The boatman said, “No, sir.” The man said, “Then half of your life is lost.”

After some time, the sky became dark. A strong storm came. The boat began to shake. The boatman asked, “Sir, can you swim?”

The learned man said, “No, I cannot.”

The boatman said, “Then your whole life may be lost.”

Soon the boat sank. The boatman swam to the bank. Pride is not good.

Copy 2: 150–200 Words

There was a poor boatman in a village. He was not educated. He could not read or write. Every day, he rowed his boat from morning to evening. He worked hard only to feed his family.

One day, a learned man came to the river. He wanted to cross the river. He got into the boat. The boatman began to row. The learned man asked, “Do you know geography?” The boatman said, “No, sir. I do not know it.”

The learned man laughed and said, “Then one-fourth of your life is lost.” After some time, he asked again, “Do you know history?” The boatman said, “No, sir.” The man said, “Then half of your life is lost.”

Suddenly, the sky became dark. A strong wind began to blow. Big waves came. The boat began to sink. The boatman asked, “Sir, can you swim?”

The learned man cried, “No, I cannot swim.”

The boatman said, “Then your whole life is in danger.” He jumped into the river and swam to the bank.

The learned man understood his mistake. We should not be proud of our learning.

Copy 3: 250–280 Words

There was a poor boatman in a village. He was illiterate. He could not read books or write letters. But he was honest and hard-working. Every day, he rowed his boat on the river from morning to evening. He earned a little money and fed his family.

One day, a learned man came to the river bank. He wanted to cross the river. The boatman said, “Please get into my boat, sir.” The learned man got into the boat, and the boatman began to row. The river was calm, and the sky was clear.

After some time, the learned man asked, “Boatman, do you know geography?” The boatman answered softly, “No, sir. I never went to school.” The learned man laughed and said, “Then one-fourth of your life is lost.” The boatman felt sad, but he said nothing.

A little later, the learned man asked again, “Do you know history and science?” The boatman said, “No, sir. I only know how to row a boat.” The learned man said proudly, “Then half of your life is lost.” The poor boatman became silent.

Suddenly, the weather changed. Dark clouds covered the sky. A strong wind began to blow. Big waves hit the boat. The boat shook badly. The learned man became afraid. The boatman tried hard to save the boat, but the storm became stronger.

Then the boatman asked, “Sir, can you swim?” The learned man cried, “No, I cannot swim.” The boatman said, “Then your whole life is in danger.” The boat began to sink. The boatman jumped into the river and swam to the bank.

The learned man understood his mistake too late. The story teaches us that book learning is good, but we should not be proud. Practical knowledge is also very important.