Once upon a time，there lived in Basra an old man.His only job was caring for and loving his only son who was a handsome young man.The old man put all his money into his son's education.The young man went away for a few years and received an education at a well－known university，where there were many scholars (学者)．

The day arrived for the son to return from his studies.When the son came and met his father，the old man looked into his eyes and felt great disappointment."What have you learnt，my son？" he asked."I have learnt everything that was to be learnt，father，" the son said.

"But have you learnt what cannot be taught？" asked the father."Go，my son and learn what cannot be taught，" said the old man.

The young man went back to ask his headmaster to teach him what cannot be taught."Go away to the mountains with these four hundred sheep and come back when they are one thousand，" said the master.

The young man went to the mountains and became a shepherd (牧羊人)．There for the first time he came across silence.He had no one to talk to.The sheep did not understand his language.Hopelessly，he would talk to them but they would look back at him as if to say he were stupid.Slowly but certainly，he began to forget all his worldly knowledge and his pride.He became quiet，wise and humble (谦逊的)．

At the end of two years，when the number of sheep had grown to one thousand，he returned to his master and fell on his knees."Now you have learnt what cannot be taught，" said the master.