A youth seeking knowledge, decided to travel and learn from the wise men across the land. Before leaving, he went to Nasruddin Hodja for advice.

 "Sir," said the youth. "How can you tell if a man is truly wise?"

Hodja remembered what a wise man had told him at the market place a long time ago, and so he said to the youth, "Use this yardstick and you'll never go wrong."

"What yardstick?" said the anxious youth. "Please tell me."

"He who knows not and does not know that he knows not is a fool, began Hodja."Shun him."

The youth nodded his head, and Hodja continued, "He who knows not and knows that he knows not is a child. Teach him. But, he who knows and knows not that he knows is asleep. Awaken him.

"Sir," said the youth impatiently. "How do I find a wise man?"

"He is one who knows and knows that he knows, said Hodja."Follow him!"

The youth was satisfied and was about to leave when Hodja baffled him by saying, "But to make sure that he who knows really knows that he knows is not easy!"