The Narrow Bridge

Two carts approached a bridge from opposite sides. The bridge was wide enough for one. Whoever stopped first would have to wait. Neither wanted to yield.

Both drivers cracked their whips. Both accelerated. The distance closed.

At the last moment, one driver swerved into the ditch. He lost his dignity but kept his cart. Had neither swerved, both carts would have been destroyed.

The winner celebrated. But his strategy had depended entirely on the other man’s rationality. Had the loser been slightly less sensible — or slightly more proud — both would have been ruined.