Six Blind Mice

Six blind mice examine an elephant…

The first mouse touches the trunk and says that the elephant is like a snake. The second mouse touches the tusk and says that the elephant is like a spear.

The third mouse touches the ear and says that the elephant is like a fan. The fourth mouse touches the leg and says that the elephant is like a tree.

The fifth mouse touches the side and says the elephant is like a wall. The sixth mouse touches the tail and says the elephant is like a rope.

Each mouse is certain that it is right, and that everyone else is wrong.

The lesson Don't attribute to malice, ignorance, or stupidity what can be explained by different information.