While walking in the village one day several of Nasruddin’s neighbors approached him. “Nasruddin,” they said, “you are so wise and holy! Please take us as your pupils, and teach us how we should live our lives, and what we should do!”
Nasruddin paused, then said “Alright, I will teach you the first lesson right now. The most important thing is to take very good care of your feet and sandals; you must keep them clean and neat at all times.”
They listened attentively until, glancing down, they noticed his feet were in fact very dirty, and his old sandals were falling apart. “But Nasruddin,” said one, “your feet are filthy, and your sandals are tattered! How do you expect us to follow your teachings if you don’t carry them out yourself?”
“Well,” replied Nasruddin, “I don’t go around asking people how I should live my life either, do I?”