An old king had ruled wisely for many years thanks to his trusted advisor. The king wanted to reward the advisor for his years of trusted service. One evening the king and the advisor were playing a game of chess when the king asked the advisor to name the riches he wanted for his years of faithful service. The advisor said “Your majesty, and my needs are few. I don’t want gold or jewels or treasure.” But the king asked again and again. Finally, the advisor said, “If you insist ,” he pointed to the chessboard, “place one grain of rice on the first square of the chessboard, and double that on the next square, and double it again on the next square, and so on, until you reach the last square, that is all I ask of you.” The king was flabbergasted. “Surely I can do more for you? You have made me rich and my rule just and prosperous for the people. I can give you more.” The advisor insisted, repeating that he was a humble man whose needs were simple. Thus the advisor make a fool of the king.