Of Kings, compromise and least common denominators

Abstract

Once, one of King Solomon's soldiers presented to him an infant and two women, each claiming to be the child's mother. “Which of you,” asked the wise king, “is the true mother of this child?” “I am,” they both answered. Solomon stroked his beard, thought awhile, and said, “We shall have to compromise. I will have the baby sliced in two, and I will give each of you half.” “Good idea,” said one of the women. “Oh, sir, please don't do that,” wailed the other, “I'd rather you give the baby to this other woman.” Because of her concern, Solomon assumed the woman to be the rightful mother, and, giving the whole infant to her, he banished the woman who would have had the child divided, and thus ends the tale.

Citation

Weiner, E. (1979), "Of Kings, compromise and least common denominators", Planning Review, Vol. 7 No. 6, pp. 27-29. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb053895