The college faculty gathered for their weekly meeting. A professor of archaeology brought with him a lamp recently unearthed in the Middle East. It was reported to contain a genie, who, when the lamp was rubbed would appear and grant one wish.
The Dean was intrigued. He grabbed the lamp and rubbed it vigorously. Suddenly a genie appeared and made him an offer. He could choose one of three rewards: wealth, wisdom, or beauty. Without hesitating, the Dean selected wisdom. "Done!" said the genie and disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
All the other faculty members turned toward the Dean, who sat surrounded by a halo of light. At length, one of his colleagues whispered, "Say something."
The dean looked intently at his colleagues gathered around and said, "I should have taken the money."