The 18th Camel – A story about innovative Problem Solving !

A father left 17 camels as an asset for his three sons.

When the father passed away, his sons opened up the will. The Will of the father stated that the eldest son should get half of 17 camels while the middle son should be given 1/3rd (one-third).The youngest son should be given 1/9th (one-ninth) of the 17 camels.

As it is not possible to divide 17 into half or 17 by 3 or 17 by 9, three sons started to fight with each other.

So, the three sons decided to go to a wise man.

The wise man listened patiently about the Will. The wise man, after giving this thought, brought one camel of his own and added the same to 17. That increased the total to 18 camels.

Now, he started reading the deceased father’s will. Half of 18 = 9. So he gave the eldest son 9 camels 1/3rd of 18 = 6. So he gave the middle son 6 camels 1/9th of 18 = 2. So he gave the youngest son 2 camels.

Now add this up: 9 plus 6 plus 2 is 17 and this leaves one camel, which the wise man took back.

The 18th camel story may sound all too magical and perhaps too simple. Sometimes the solution is simple. To see the solution, however, the parties must be willing to collaborate in order to discover their real interests. Also, they must want to use a joint problem-solving approach rather than a "demands, confrontation, and concession" method that at best produces compromise. 

The attitude of negotiation and problem solving is to find the 18th camel i.e. the common ground. Once a person is able to find the common ground, the issue is resolved. It is difficult at times. However, to reach a solution, the first step is to believe that there is a solution. If we think that there is no solution, we won’t be able to reach any!

 It’s interesting how much this story resembles many of the difficult negotiations we get involved in. They start off like the seemingly unsolvable problem of dividing 17 camels.  Somehow what we need to do is step back from the situation like the wise old man.  Look at the situation through fresh eyes and come up with an 18th camel. 

 What solution do you have to offer to the desperate situations around you?  What comfort or resolution can your wisdom and generosity bring to those who come into your path?  Are you riding on the 18th camel?

 When confronted with a challenging problem, remember the 18th camel and try to come up with an innovative solution.