HEREDITY
One day an old lady and a young woman called on the Hodja. The old lady, who appeared to be the spokeswoman, said:
"This young woman is my daughter-in-law, Hodja Effendi. She has been married to my son now for three years, but so far has had no offspring. My son is very fond of children and insists on having at least a few. You are a very wise man, Hodja Effendi. Please help us or our whole life will be just plain hell."
Nasreddin Hodja was sincerely moved, but was at a loss as to what to counsel.
"I wonder if the condition is hereditary," he mused. Then, addressing the young woman, he asked:
"Did your mother have the same trouble, my dear?"
He had the satisfaction of seeing both the ladies smile at this absurd question.
