There were, as there often are, three brothers. They walked along the road on a cold day and the wind whipped around them.

“It’s freezing,” said the first brother. “I’ve got to do something about this.” He knew that warmth comes from the sun. So he called up to the sun, “Sir! Please give us more heat! My brothers and I are cold. We’re poor but honest men who deserve your generosity, mercy and compassion.” He reasoned and cajoled, genuflected and bowed. But the sun didn’t increase its heat. The brother was still cold, and he felt terrible because the sun had ignored him.

The second brother said, “I’m cold too, but you’ve got it all turned around.” He knew it was the wind-chill factor that was the problem. He turned to face the wind directly. “Stop blowing right now,” he commanded. “Don’t make me have to tell you twice!” To show that he meant business he beat his arms against the wind and pushed it back with all his might. But the wind just slipped around him on all sides. Soon the second brother had worn himself out, and he was colder than ever.

The third brother put on a jacket.