This came from someplace. Seems pertinent.
One day the King was looking over his wardrobe and saw only the same familiar drab clothes. He had ideas and vision – and none of these styles excited him. Although he had many stylists and tailors capable of designing elegant clothing, they always seemed to provide the King with the same thing – the King sought something that met his vision.
The King was charming and personable and had a great many friends both near and far; this day he decided to ask amongst them for a tailor that could truly design an elegant wardrobe. His own people were just that – his people that simply worked for wages. An independent tailor was just the thing. The tailor he sought would have ideas that more closely met his own.
The King met just such a tailor! He agreed with the King that although the King’s vision of his desired wardrobe was grand and elegant, his clothing was merely presentable – it didn’t meet the uniqueness the king desired.
And the tailor was a clever fellow and told the King he was at this moment working on a style that would satisfy the King’s desire. Although it wasn’t quite ready, if the King would provide him a small amount of gold coin to allow him to finish, he would have something to show the King the next day.
The king was so happy, he told the tailor he would pay whatever necessary for the tailor to present him with the suit of clothing he so desired. The King gave the tailor many gold pieces and agreed to return the next day.
The tailor prepared for this most elegant commission. When the king returned, he was met with flags and feasts suitable for royalty. The tailor had maidservants make the king comfortable while he talked of the elegance and innovation of this new wardrobe. He then bade the king disrobe and prepare for his new clothing. With a flourish, the tailor showed the king his new clothes.
But there appeared to be nothing there…
O, my king! Do you not see the elegance in this lightweight outfit? Your subjects will be awed with this refreshing new style and will soon strive to follow the trend you set for all.
The king was convinced and had the tailor prepare his new clothing for travel back to his kingdom which the tailor did.
When the king returned to his court, he showed his wardrobe to his courtiers. My loyal staff, I have traveled far and wide to find innovation and style. I want to you observe and learn – if only you could be this innovative when I ask it of you.
And the king’s tailors and stylists readily agreed. Thank you, O King, for this lesson. We shall strive to be this creative and innovative for You whenever You so desire.
(But in spite of the King’s kind words, the King had deluded himself. The King’s servants were as skilled and artful as any in this and any land, but the King’s wardrobe only seemed dull and bland because the King only accepted innovations that met his own ideas. And the King’s servants – being loyal to the King (and having been told there was no room at the Court for those who disagreed with the King) – strove to meet the King’s desires. And when the King had no more new ideas, everything began to look the same.)
The King desired to show off his wardrobe. He prepared a festival showing the good works of the Kingdom. He invited dignitaries from far lands; he asked his subjects to share the good times. There would be demonstrations and posters and dancing girls. Speeches and jugglers and presentations. And food and drink for all – Come One And All, My Good People. Come share in this celebration of your King’s wonderful discovery.
And his servants worked hard to satisfy the King’s every desire.
On the day of the festival, the King led the way amongst the cheering crowds. He could hear the cheers and cries of adoration. Balloons and flags and his people throwing flowers in his path.
Until a little boy was heard to cry out: “Mommy, the King has no clothes on”. His mother hushed him, but it was too late – the little boy’s voice had carried through the crowd for all to hear. The King was outraged. Wasn’t his innovation clear for all to see? After all, *he* had searched far and wide and decided upon this as his choice. Therefore it was the *right* choice.
The moral of this tale? There are many. It depends on who you are as you read this.
The people were upset with the little boy and his family for causing the king to end the festivities.
(And the King had the little boy’s family banished from the Kingdom)
The little boy learned that not only does no one want to hear the truth but to speak it is punished.
The tailor was assured that anything – even nothing – could be traded for gold coin.
The King’s loyal servants were once again reminded that the King *is* always right. And benevolent.
And the King?
He has no need for a moral. After all, he is the King.