The Admiral and the Small Light
A massive Navy flagship was cruising through a dense fog on a moonless night. The Admiral, a man known for his stern demeanor and absolute authority, was on the bridge when he spotted a steady light dead ahead on a collision course. He immediately ordered his signalman to send a message: "Change your course fifteen degrees north to avoid a collision."
A few seconds later, a signal came back: "Negative. Change your course fifteen degrees south."
The Admiral was livid. He grabbed the signal light himself and signaled back: "This is Admiral Johnston of the United States Navy. I am a decorated veteran with thirty years of command. Change your course immediately!"
The response came back almost instantly: "This is Seaman Second Class Miller. Change your course now."
The Admiral, now shaking with rage, sent one final, terrifying message: "I am a battleship! Change your course or face the consequences!"
The reply flickered back through the dark fog: "I am a lighthouse. Your move, Admiral."