An illiterate farmer hired a scholarly young man to reside in his ranch and educate his children.

One day, a telegram arrived for the farmer, but due to his ignorance, he asked the scholar to read it to him. The scholar opened the letter, read it quietly, and then read it aloud:

“The telegram reads: ‘Son, your father has passed away. Please make every effort to attend the funeral.’”

Before the scholar had finished reading, the farmer gasped and fainted.

After reviving him, the scholar turned to the farmer and asked, “I don’t understand. I read the letter first, so why didn’t I faint as well?”

The farmer, still in shock, snapped back angrily, “Because it’s not your father!”

“Disagree without being disagreeable.”