As part of his duties as a Mulla, Nasrudin lectured to his community. One day from the pulpit, beginning his speech, he asked his audience, “Do you know what I am about to teach you?”
“No,” they responded. “Well then, “Nasrudin said, “Since you don’t have enough background information, there’s no point in my trying to teach you.” And with that statement, Nasrudin left.
The next day, from the pulpit he asked, “Do you know what I am about to teach you” Thinking they were on to his trick, they responded, “Yes, we know.”
Nasrudin replied, “Well, then, if you already know, there is no point in my telling you anything!” And with that, Nasrudin left.
The next day, from the pulpit again he asked, “Do you know what I am about to teach you”
The people, once again thinking that they were on to his trick, replied, “Half of us do, and half of us don’t.”
“Then let those who know tell those who don’t!” replied Nasrudin. And with that, he left.