Once upon a time there was a place called Togetherland. It was a happy place where people lived in harmony, helping each other and working together. The farmer would only grow what the land could support; the builder used materials best suited to the climate; the shops sold what people needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everyone lived well, doing what they were best at doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The King of Togetherland, Louis the Collaborator, known to one and all as LoCal (and that had nothing to do with his obvious need to lose weight) lived well. He was also a great deal smarter than he was given credit for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The only cloud on LoCal\u2019s horizon was a most disagreeable neighbour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This neighbour, The Prince of all the Specialties was a self-confessed moderniser, a force to be reckoned with. He knew he had to find a way to extend the territory under his control, to create new work for his countrymen, and more profit for himself and his growing band of friends and acquaintances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He had always coveted Togetherland \u2013 it was on his doorstep, and would he was sure offer no resistance to a friendly sharing of points-of-view, or, as he put it (but only to his friends and supporters) \u2018a take-over\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One day, the circus came to town. The Prince loved a good circus, and here was the perfect excuse to visit (\u2018invade\u2019, as he put it). So he got in touch with LoCal and invited himself and a \u2018few friends\u2019 over to the circus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
LoCal had been expecting this. Indeed he had hatched a plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When the Prince and his \u2018friends\u2019 arrived LoCal couldn\u2019t help but notice a couple of things. First, the \u2018friends\u2019 appeared to be wearing armour and were armed. Second, there were rather a lot of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He noticed these things, but he was in no way surprised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He greeted his neighbour and invited him to join him behind the scenes at the circus. This was a rather small area, and so many of the \u2018friends\u2019 had to wait outside. Only four were allowed in to accompany the Prince.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Now\u2019, said LoCal, let\u2019s not beat about the bush. \u2018You want to expand your territory; but the truth is we don\u2019t want you here, and we certainly don\u2019t want any unpleasantness. We would rather you looked elsewhere and left us in peace.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018We are prepared to do what we have to in order to drive you and your friends out of Togetherland but that may turn unpleasant for both of us. You may indeed beat us in battle, or you may not but whatever happens the outcome would be the same: you would not be welcome here\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018And no-one likes not being welcome\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018So\u2019, he went on \u2018I have arranged a test of skill. Pass it, and we\u2019ll stand aside. Fail it, and you\u2019ll take your \u2018friends\u2019 and go elsewhere.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Prince was not just a moderniser, a man who knew everything about everything, he was also a big-head. He would never lose a test of skill to such an old has-been as LoCal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Alright\u2019, he said. \u2018Bring it on. \u2018We don\u2019t want any unpleasantness; my \u2018friends\u2019 are more skilful than you can imagine. What do they have to do?\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
LoCal went up to the four \u2018friends\u2019. \u2018First, you must be blindfolded. Then you must come with me\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He led the four men behind the circus tent, where stood an elephant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first man was brought forward, and led to the elephant\u2019s tail. \u2018What\u2019s this?\u2019 said LoCal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The man felt the tail. \u2018That\u2019s a rope\u2019 he said confidently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next man came forward. \u2018What\u2019s this\u2019 he was asked when he was next to the elephant\u2019s leg. \u2018That\u2019s a tree\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The third man was led to the elephant\u2019s flank. \u2018That\u2019s a wall, and a fine wall at that\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally the fourth man was brought to the elephant\u2019s tusks. \u2018Those are spears\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then the four men were led back to their Prince.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
LoCal spoke: \u2018You\u2019ve all reported on what you\u2019ve just witnessed \u2013 a rope, a tree, a wall and two spears\u2019. \u2018If you\u2019re right, I\u2019ll step aside and this kingdom is yours. If you\u2019re wrong you\u2019ll leave. Agreed?\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Agreed\u2019 said the Prince.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Prince and the four men were taken behind the tent, where stood the elephant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Prince may have been dumbfounded, but he was also a man of his word. \u2018Well played, LoCal\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019ve outwitted us, and we will indeed leave you in peace. Just as soon as we\u2019ve seen the circus.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the moral of the story \u2013 look around you, being blind to all but what\u2019s in front of you means you\u2019ll miss the big picture. And without the big picture you won\u2019t achieve your ambitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
May you and yours all have a happy and healthy Christmas!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Cog Blog will return mid-January.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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