The Crowded Well

A village had one well. Each morning, villagers drew water.

When the well was crowded, some villagers pushed through. The crowd grew denser. Buckets tangled. Fights broke out.

An elder made a rule: if you arrive and the well is crowded, step back and wait. If you return and it's still crowded, wait longer before your next attempt.

"But I need water now," a young man protested.

"So does everyone. If we all push at once, no one gets water. Space your attempts, and the crowd thins itself."