Three Wise Men of Gotham

Quick Answer

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

It’s light and funny, with nonsense humor that doesn’t scare. Great for bedtime because it ends with a smile—and a gentle reminder to think things through.

Story Synopsis

The tale begins with the familiar verse: three wise men of Gotham went to sea in a bowl. If the bowl had been stronger, the story would have been longer. This retelling imagines Gotham as a bustling city where looking wise matters almost as much as being wise. Three men—each proud of his clever reputation—decide they will do something grand and unforgettable. They choose the sea. But instead of a sturdy boat, they take a bowl. They decorate it, argue about navigation, and speak in important tones, as if serious voices can replace a strong hull. For a little while, the bowl floats. Then the real world reminds them what wisdom includes: planning, humility, and practical choices. The ending lands like the rhyme—quick, safe, and funny.

Story Excerpt

Three wise men of Gotham went to sea in a bowl. If the bowl had been stronger, this tale would have been longer. In the big city of Gotham, near the north gate, there lived a man who looked very, very wise. He was tall and thin. The top of his head was smooth and shiny, with a ring of white hair around it. His beard was long and white, reaching far down. His eyebrows were thick and white, too. He wore a long black robe with a cord tied around his middle. He walked slowly, with his hands behind his back. He did not talk much at all. When he passed, people took off their hats and bowed. “ He is very wise, ” they whispered. “ He is a second Socrates. ” So they called him Socrates. But the truth was, he was not wise. He only looked wise. And because he stayed quiet, no one could hear him make mistakes. As he walked, Socrates thought to himself, “ My, how wise they think I am. If I say nothing, they will believe I know everything. ” On the other side of Gotham, near the south gate, there lived another man with a long white…

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