Once upon a time, a King of Armenia announced that whoever could prove himself to be the greatest liar in the kingdom would receive a golden apple.
Many people came to the palace and told the king unbelievable stories, but none impressed him enough to win the prize.
Just as the king was about to end the contest, a poor, ragged man arrived carrying a large earthenware pot.
The king asked him, “What can I do for you?”
The man replied, “Your Majesty, you owe me a pot of gold, and I have come to collect it.”
The king exclaimed, “You are a perfect liar! I owe you no money!”
The man immediately responded, “Am I a perfect liar? Then give me the golden apple!”
Realizing that the man had trapped him, the king tried to change his position.
“No, no! You are not a liar!” said the king.
The man replied, “Then give me the pot of gold you owe me, Your Majesty!”
The king realized he was trapped either way. He handed the man the golden apple.
The man gave the king two choices, and both benefited him.