The Emperor's New Clothes
Why does this famous Hans Christian Andersen tale seem so relevant today?
The Emperor's New Clothes" (Danish: Kejserens nye klæder) is a short tale written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, about two weavers who promise an emperor a new suit of clothes that they say is invisible to those who are unfit for their positions, stupid, or incompetent – while in reality, they make no clothes at all, making everyone believe the clothes are invisible to them. When the emperor parades before his subjects in his new "clothes", no one dares to say that they do not see any suit of clothes on him for fear that they will be seen as stupid. Finally, a child cries out, "But he isn't wearing anything at all!"
"Prime Minister: The people are clamoring for you, Your Majesty.
The Emperor: They're not clamoring very loud.
Prime Minister: But they're our best clamorers...
The Emperor: Tell them I want more clamoring. I want more clamor!"
"The Emperor: Why does everyone argue with me? I'm the Emperor!"
"The Emperor: [the invisible cloth] Everybody'll think I'm stupid. I can't be, I'm the Emperor."
"The Emperor: [the Prime Minister and the Duke admit their stupidity] But I, as Emperor, was OVERPOWERINGLY stupid... I, as Emperor, was more stupid than you all, because I was responsible for all this stupidity!"
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