There was once a wise old hermit who had lived all his adult life isolated in a log cabin in a huge forest. The old man had a remarkable talent; he had figured out how to communicate with birds. One day, while picking mushrooms and berries, he noticed a young female thrush sitting on a branch. He decided to offer the bird the benefit of some wisdom.

"Little bird," the hermit said, " you face a short life, fraught with danger. There are many predators in this forest and the air above that may kill you. You must do your best to avoid such beasts as foxes, wild cats, bears and birds of prey." The bird looked quizzically at the old man, who went on, "you must listen out for the song of the male of your species and choose out a good mate." The bird made no response, but looked at him with one eye and then the other.

"Then you must ensure you keep your eggs warm, bring your offspring up with care and keep them well fed until they fly the nest". The hermit stopped to think what further wisdom he could impart to help the bird in his life, and felt satisfied that the bird would now benefit from his logic and insight. The bird finally responded. "I don't need to be told this - I still have my instincts!" she twittered as she flew off.