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---There was a mathematician father who left 17 camels as an asset for his threesons.

When the father passed away, his sons opened up the will.

The Will of the father stated that the eldest son should get half of 17 camels while the middle son should be given 1/3rd (one-third). The youngest son should be given 1/9th (one-ninth) of the 17 camels.

As it is not possible to divide 17 into half or 17 by 3 or 17 by 9, three sons started to fight with each other. So, the three sons decided to go to a wise man.

The wise man listened patiently about the Will.

The wise man, after giving this thought, brought one camel of his own and addedthe same to 17. That increased the total to 18 camels.

Now, he started reading the deceased fathers will.

Half of 18 = 9. So he gave the eldest son 9 camels

1/3rd of 18 = 6. So he gave the middle son 6 camels

1/9th of 18 = 2. So he gave the youngest son 2 camels.

Now add this up: 9 plus 6 plus 2 is 17 and this leaves one camel, which the wiseman took away.

The attitude of negotiation and problem solving is to find the 18th camel i.e. the common ground. Once a person is able to find the common ground the issue is resolved!!

Once a bright intelligent young man went for IAS interview. He was asked -

Q 1. When did India get independence?

He answered - The efforts started long back; but could succeed in 1947.

Q 2. Who were the persons, who played important role in this fight for independence?

Answer - There are many people, who were involved and contributed in this. If Igive a name, it will be injustice to others.

Q 3. Do you think, corruption is the greatest enemy of the country?

Answer - A committee is investigating in this matter. I can give a correct replyto this only after seeing the report.

The interview board was impressed by his original ideas. They asked him to waitoutside; but also advised him not to reveal the questions, as they may ask the same questions to other candidates also.

When the young man went out of the room, Santa inquired about the questions aske

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d. The young man said that he had promised the interview board not to disclose the questions.

But, Santa found a way out. "Tell me the answer you gave"..

The young man, thought it to be okay, as he was not going back on his words of "not disclosing the QUESTIONS"

When Santa went in for interview, this is what happened.

Q 1. What's your birth date?

S:- The efforts started long back, but could succeed in 1947.

Interviewers got confused...they asked next question.

Q 2. What is your father's name?

S:- There are many people, who were involved and contributed in this. If I givea name, it will be injustice to others.

The board members were shocked at the reply..they said.

Q 3. Are you mad?

S :- A committee is investigating in this matter. I can give a correct reply tothis only after seeing the report..!!