A fool can throw a stone in a pond that 100 wise men can not get

Children, gather close and hear the wisdom of Saul Bellow, who once said, "A fool can throw a stone in a pond that 100 wise men can not get out." This simple yet profound statement carries a deep and sobering truth: the actions of the foolish can often create problems that are far beyond the ability of the wise to undo. In this world, a single impulsive action, a thoughtless deed, can create ripples that affect not just the individual but the many. And while wisdom is a powerful tool, there are moments when it is not enough to undo the damage caused by reckless or hasty decisions. This is the nature of life—unintended consequences often follow those who act without thought, and they can be difficult to correct.

The imagery Bellow uses—the stone thrown into the pond—is a vivid one. Think of the stone as an irresponsible action, quick and fleeting, yet it creates a disturbance that spreads far beyond the point of impact. The ripples spread, touching places and people far from the source of the disturbance. The wise men, in this case, represent those who can see the bigger picture, those who understand the depth of situations and the long-term consequences of actions. But wisdom, as Bellow points out, is often powerless against the sudden chaos that the fool’s actions create. The damage, once done, can be almost impossible to reverse.

Consider the story of King Midas of Greek mythology, whose foolish desire to turn everything he touched into gold seemed harmless at first. With the blessing—or curse—of the gods, Midas could transform anything he touched into gold. He was thrilled by his newfound power, but soon realized the gravity of his foolishness. His food, his loved ones, even his daughter were turned into gold. The stone that he had thrown into the pond—the greed and the desire for more—was impossible to undo. Despite all his wealth, Midas could not reverse the damage he had done. His desire had created a ripple that no amount of wisdom could wash away. The story reminds us of how one impulsive action can lead to consequences that even the most wise cannot fix.

In more recent history, think of the wars that have been started by the foolishness of a single individual or a small group of leaders. World War I, for instance, was sparked by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. That single act, seemingly small in its immediate impact, created a ripple that spread across the globe, drawing nations into a conflict that would claim millions of lives. The wise men—those who understood the devastating potential of such a conflict—could not stop the war once it had begun. The stone had been thrown, and the ripples were beyond anyone’s control. The war, once started, could not be undone by the wisdom of the world’s greatest leaders.

Bellow’s words also speak to the fragility of human nature and the importance of thoughtful action. The fool, acting out of anger, fear, or desire, may not fully understand the consequences of their actions. But the wise man, though capable of seeing the effects of his decisions, is often powerless to prevent or reverse the damage once it is done. This is a reminder, children, that the path to wisdom is not just in knowing what to do, but in understanding the consequences of what you choose not to do.

And so, children, the lesson is clear: before you act, think. Before you speak, reflect. Just as the fool can create ripples that reach far beyond his understanding, so too can your actions create consequences that will follow you and others for years to come. The stone thrown into the pond may seem like a small act, but its impact is often far-reaching. This is why it is the wise who pause before making decisions, who weigh the possible outcomes, and who understand that their actions affect not only themselves but the world around them.

In your own lives, when you are faced with choices, remember the lesson of the stone and the pond. Think before you act, for the consequences of a careless decision can be vast and difficult to undo. Seek wisdom in your decisions, and remember that impulse is often the path of the fool. The wise are those who understand the power of restraint, of patience, and of careful consideration. Let this wisdom guide you in all things, for the stones you throw today will create ripples that will echo long into the future.