A king sent his son to a renowned astrologer to learn the science of astrology.
The astrologer's son and the prince began their education together.
Several years later, the astrologer came to the king and submitted, "Your Majesty, the prince's education is now complete."
The king decided to put his son to the test and designated a specific day for the purpose.
The king's son and the astrologer's son were summoned to the royal court.
Holding a silver ring in his hand, the king asked the prince, "Tell me, what object is inside my fist?"
The prince replied, "It is something white, roundish, and hard, with a hole right through the center."
The king was pleased and said, "You have described it accurately so far.
Now, tell me the name of the object."
The prince answered,"A millstone.
Hearing this, the king was deeply disappointed. He thought to himself, "Is *this* the extent of his astrological studies?"
Then, he asked the astrologer's son, "Now *you* tell me: what object is inside my fist?"
"A silver ring!" the astrologer's son answered instantly. The king concluded that the astrologer had not truly taught the science to his own son, but had instead imparted the entirety of his astrological knowledge to his own son alone.
When he questioned the astrologer regarding this matter, the astrologer explained, "As far as the science of astrology itself is concerned, both have learned it equally well.
You must have gathered as much from the answers the prince gave earlier.
However, Your Majesty, one's intellect serves one only to the extent that one possesses it.
The prince suffers not from a lack of knowledge, but from a lack of common sense.
He failed to grasp the simple fact—obvious to anyone—that an object as massive as a millstone could not possibly fit within the palm of your hand.
It is impossible to bestow wisdom upon someone. Therefore, I say this: he has studied extensively, but he has not truly internalized the learning."