Translated and editted by the Author
My son’s ten; he knows everything - reading, writing, speaking... This is nothing.
My son speaks Russian, English and Persian, except mother language, he knows music, literature, history, geography... And he knows by heart the names of each member state of United Nations, the names of each country’s capitals, number of population, almost all the knight’s moves in the chessplay and... This is also nothing.
My son says that he will be a president when he grows up. I ask:
“Hey, guy, what country’s president you want to become?”
“America...’’
Here I can’t say “nothing!’’ Again I ask:
“Hey, bloody boy, why America?”
Look, what he said:
“Why not? Mem Olbrite could become State Secretary, me not? She is also a refugee like me. She went from Chekhiya and became American, they didn’t differ her, she is American that’s all. If you know English and you respect American Law you are welcome... ”
“Hey, knave guy, this country narrow for you? Why you go to America, long way. If you will have brain you can become easily a president here too...”
“What? Brain? Wise? Who told you? Who takes care of wisdom in this world? This mad world is based upon money, show-business... You must be a billionaire or busy with show-business... Then you will be counted in... You will be elected...”
“Shut up, boy! Swindler! Who told you these?”
“My teacher Rustam. He told that you knew much more. I am afraid of you, it’s pity to you. I am afraid that you never find your place in Life...”
Again I wanted to ask him a word, the boy interrupted me, said:
“Pa, you are also like Rustam teacher, you are two sides of medal. When I am telling the truth you got angry. That’s why I don”t want to stay here, I will go to America... Rustam teacher says that if you are asked something tell that “I don’t know”. As much you say “I don’t know” you will grow up and take a chair. Teacher says that if you say “Yes, I know” that will hurt your perspective. That’s all.”
You see what a knave boy he is! I got suprised again, the guy is knowing more and more... I shouted this time:
“Hey, shameless boy, teacher Rustam is right, he meant that a man sould be modest, he would say “I don’t know” even he knows something, understood?”
The last words nearly made him to the point and he kept silent for a long time...
... Recently I had a guest from England, he asked my son in English:
“What’s your name?”
“I don’t know!” my son answered.
... Here I can’t say “nothing!”
1997.