Three Recruits

A farmer, an artisan, and a labourer went to the King of their country to express their concerns. They complained that they were compelled to support a large standing army of mere consumers who contributed nothing to the economy.

"Very well," said the King, "my subjects' wishes are the highest law." In response to their complaints, he disbanded his army, and the consumers transitioned into producers.

However, the influx of new products into the market caused prices to plummet, which devastated the farming industry. As a result, the skilled and unskilled labourers found themselves struggling to make a living, forcing many artisans and labourers into almshouses and onto the highways in search of work.

Within a few years, the national distress became so severe that the farmer, the artisan, and the labourer returned to the King with another petition. They requested the reorganization of the standing army.

"What!" exclaimed the King. "You wish to support those idle consumers again?"

"No, your Majesty," they replied earnestly. "We wish to enlist."