The 2 Apples Problem

 Solving the 2 Apples Problem

"My Mother once told me that bad news is just good news in disguise." - Sid (Ice Age Continental Drift - 2012) 

"Things are given to you. After you get it, it becomes good or bad." - Wile Creation

The 2 Apples Problem

You are special because you now own a special garden with a special tree which produces special apples. What makes it so special?

• Your garden will only sustain this special tree.
• Your tree will produce exactly one apple every day.
• Your apples are extremely big that you cannot be hungry in the next 24 hours.
• The apples are wonderfully tasty for the first 24 hours.

Robin sold this garden to you. It is a really prized possession and you are sure would never let it go. However, The old man was exhausted and he couldn't take the torment anymore. It all started when the tree accidentally produce two apples one fine day.

Robin

This smart man knows he would get an apple everyday. His plan was simple - eat an apple everyday and enjoy it. He was in a dilemma when he got two - if he should eat both of them that day. He, after much thought, told himself, "I will have one and save the other for tomorrow. I cannot simply have it right away; it is a very special one; one every day." He was on top of the world that day, knowing that he could lavishly eat two apples some day in the future. He saved the other.

The next day, the tree produced another apple. When he brought the new apple home, he was again confused. He said, "Yesterday's apple will taste even worse tomorrow if I eat the fresh one today." Realising that choosing the old apple today means he would have a fresh apple in stock, he ate the old apple. He wasn't too happy about it because it wasn't as tasty as the fresh one but he appreciated the cause.

The next day, the same question he had to answer. The same problem had the same solution. Being a very determined person, saving for later, he ended up eating stale apples everyday until he was too old and gave away his once-precious garden to you.

Unending Dissatisfaction

You

The garden has a conscience, they say. It tests you; like it did to Robin. It may seem to be a once in a life-time gift; a precious opportunity. However, I suggest you to take it right away; don't save it for later. Be brave enough to let it go if you won't need it soon. Give it to someone who needs it. If nobody wants it, have the courage to throw it in the trash. 

It might hurt you to behave disrespectfully to the rare opportunity but think about what could happen. You could continue eating one fresh apple everyday. 

Happy with good

The psychological effect on Robin didn't seems to be of an advantage. He felt richer everyday but could never enjoy it. He had to endure the stale apples everyday hoping to eat the fresh one someday. He procrastinated his day of lavishly enjoying the apple and never did.

Bag of Opportunities

We must keep in mind that there is no point saving the opportunities for later instead of using them at the appropriate time. The 'appropriate time' will vary according to various parameters and you are the best judge.