The Parable of the Trench-Diggers

There were five foolish soldiers, and five wise soldiers.

One day, their officer told them, "An attack is bound this way. Dig in, and wait for the enemy."

So the ten soldiers did so.

The five foolish soldiers dug just enough to lie down in.

However, the five wise soldiers dug deep enough to stand in.

Eventually, they all became exhausted and fell asleep in their trenches.

Suddenly, at midnight, their officer ran up to them, screaming, "Enemy artillery incoming! Take cover!"

The five foolish soldiers awoke, and realised to their shock that their trenches were too shallow.

So they ran over to the five wise soldiers, and begged them:

"Share your trenches with us; we don't have enough cover."

"No, we can't share our trenches with you; if we do so, there may not be space enough for both of us."

So, trembling in dismay, the five foolish soldiers ran back to their shallow trenches and hoped for the best.

But the shells came and blew them apart to kingdom come, while the five wise soldiers remained safe and sound.