An old farmer passed away, leaving behind 17 horses for his three sons. However, the division of these horses, as stated in his will, created an unusual dilemma. His final wishes were clear:

• The eldest son was to receive half of the horses.
• The middle son was to receive one-third of the horses.
• The youngest son was to receive one-ninth of the horses.

At first glance, this seemed impossible. How do you split 17 horses into fractions without breaking them apart? This perplexing inheritance puzzle led to an unexpected yet brilliant solution, offering a timeless lesson in problem-solving, wisdom, and collaboration.

The Inheritance Dilemma: A Mathematical Challenge

The farmer’s will presented a major problem—17 is a prime number, meaning it cannot be evenly divided by 2, 3, or 9. The sons were left arguing, each trying to figure out how to fairly distribute the horses without violating their father’s wishes.

Frustrated and unable to find a solution, they turned to a wise old farmer friend in the village, hoping he could offer guidance.

Video: Union is strength an old Farmer and his son

The Wise Farmer’s Simple Yet Brilliant Solution

The wise farmer carefully examined the will and considered the situation. Instead of jumping to conclusions, he approached the problem with logic and creativity.

He brought one of his own horses and added it to the 17 horses, bringing the total to 18. This simple act changed everything.

Now, the division of horses became straightforward:

• Half of 18 (for the eldest son) = 9 horses
• One-third of 18 (for the middle son) = 6 horses
• One-ninth of 18 (for the youngest son) = 2 horses

When they added up their shares:

9 + 6 + 2 = 17

Amazingly, the wise farmer’s horse was left over. He simply took back his horse, leaving the sons with their rightful shares without breaking any part of their father’s will.

The Hidden Wisdom in the Farmer’s Solution

At first, this might seem like a clever mathematical trick, but there’s a deeper lesson hidden in this story.

1. Thinking Outside the Box

The three sons were stuck in conventional thinking, trying to force an impossible division. The wise farmer introduced a new perspective by adding something extra—something that wasn’t part of the original problem—to create a workable solution.

Lesson: Sometimes, the solution isn’t about dividing what you have, but adding something new to make it easier.

2. The Power of Cooperation

Had the sons continued to argue, they might have never reached a resolution. But by seeking external wisdom, they were able to find a fair solution that benefited everyone.

Lesson: When facing a tough problem, don’t hesitate to seek advice from those with experience and wisdom.

3. Problem-Solving with Simplicity

The farmer’s solution was elegant, effective, and required no drastic measures. He didn’t take away from anyone or cause conflict—he simply adjusted the conditions to make division possible.

Lesson: The best solutions are often the simplest. Instead of overcomplicating a problem, look for ways to adjust the conditions.

The Real-World Application of This Lesson

This story isn’t just about horses—it’s about solving real-life challenges. Whether in business, relationships, or daily life, the same principles apply:

• Think creatively. If something doesn’t seem possible, look at the problem from a different angle.
• Seek help when needed. Sometimes, an outsider’s perspective is exactly what’s needed.
• Don’t rush to conclusions. A patient, thoughtful approach often leads to unexpected yet effective solutions.

Video: Union is strength an old farmer and his son

A Lesson Passed Through Generations

Stories like this have been told for centuries, illustrating the value of wisdom over brute force. The sons could have spent years fighting over the horses, but a single wise man solved their problem in minutes.

This tale serves as a timeless reminder that sometimes, the key to solving problems isn’t in what you take away, but in what you add.

Conclusion: The Genius of Simple Wisdom

The story of the 17 horses and the wise farmer is more than just a math trick—it’s a powerful metaphor for problem-solving, creative thinking, and teamwork.

When faced with an “impossible” problem, the best approach isn’t always to force a solution but to introduce a new perspective—one that makes the impossible, possible.

And just like the wise farmer, those who can think differently, act wisely, and seek fairness will always find a way forward.