Common Knowledge
While being driven to another engagement, a professor of nuclear physics who was giving the same special lecture to a number of universities across the country, remarked to his chauffeur, “I suppose you’ve heard me deliver this lecture so many times now you almost know it by heart.” “I think I do, sir,” said the chauffeur and, as if to reassure himself, recited the professor’s lecture word-perfectly.
“That’s incredible!” exclaimed the professor and then, an idea occurred to him. “Why don’t we change places at the next university?” he suggested. “You can wear my suit and gown and I’ll put on your uniform and cap. You can give the lecture and I’ll sit down at the front and listen for a change … it’ll be our little joke on those fellows and no one else will ever know. What do you think?” “I’ll give it a go if you’re happy, sir,” was the reply.
The necessary changeovers were made and a short time later, when they arrived at the auditorium, the chauffeur, in the professor’s gown, was conducted with due ceremony to the platform, introduced and asked to address the assembled academics. The chauffeur obliged by rattling off the lecture and received an enthusiastic ovation from the audience.
Then, to the chauffeur’s consternation the chairman proposed that some of those present might wish to put one or two questions to the learned professor. One scientist got to his feet and asked a question that was so theoretical, the chauffeur didn’t have the faintest idea what he was asking, let alone what answer to give.
Nevertheless he stepped forward to the rostrum and said, “Frankly, I’m surprised that you should ask me such a simple question. Why, even my chauffeur sitting here in the front row would know the answer to that and to prove it, I’ll ask him to step up here now and give you the answer.”
