Lewreader: According to Wikipedia (http://tinyurl.com/yen7tgc),
“This proverb has been around in many variations for centuries (see historical references below), and describes a situation where permitting some small undesirable situation will allow gradual and inexorable worsening. The rhyme is thus a good illustration of the ‘butterfly effect’, and ideas presented in chaos theory, involving sensitive dependence on initial conditions; the initial condition being the presence or absence of the horseshoe nail. At a more literal level, it summarizes the importance of military logistics throughout the history of human warfare.
“An important thing to note is that these chains of causality are only seen in hindsight. Nobody ever lamented, upon seeing his unshod horse, that the kingdom would eventually fall because of it.
“A somewhat similar idea is referred to in the metaphor known as The Camel’s nose.”
Llewellenbruce over 13 years ago
“Don’t ask and I won’t tell”.
Yukoner over 13 years ago
Horse doesn’t look too impressed.
legaleagle48 over 13 years ago
Well, the King didn’t say what kind of shoes had to be put on the horse.
lewisbower over 13 years ago
I don’t believe a dumb animal like my dog or cats could outsmart me. I want to feed, water, pet, and pick up their poop. They do what I want.
RADISH We all know the saying but who’s the author?. Don’t tell me Annie Moose. One person couldn’t have written that much.
GROG Premium Member over 13 years ago
That horse’ll have pretty big shoes to fill when he retires.
Sandfan over 13 years ago
When the going gets tough, Rodney goes shopping.
peter0423 over 13 years ago
Lewreader: According to Wikipedia (http://tinyurl.com/yen7tgc),
“This proverb has been around in many variations for centuries (see historical references below), and describes a situation where permitting some small undesirable situation will allow gradual and inexorable worsening. The rhyme is thus a good illustration of the ‘butterfly effect’, and ideas presented in chaos theory, involving sensitive dependence on initial conditions; the initial condition being the presence or absence of the horseshoe nail. At a more literal level, it summarizes the importance of military logistics throughout the history of human warfare.
“An important thing to note is that these chains of causality are only seen in hindsight. Nobody ever lamented, upon seeing his unshod horse, that the kingdom would eventually fall because of it.
“A somewhat similar idea is referred to in the metaphor known as The Camel’s nose.”
A very long-winded version of “I dunno….”
odeliasimone over 13 years ago
It’s the kings fault. Horseshoeing is done by professionals.
boldyuma over 13 years ago
To the moon Rodney…to the moon.. Bang..Pow…Zoom…(RIP Jackie Gleason)
RadioTom over 13 years ago
Swoosh! shoes…
Now, which brand has a SWOOSH logo?
Tsali-Queyi over 13 years ago
I have shod them and I’d say he probably turned the nail around and it went into the quick. That invites a good kick.
GROG Premium Member over 13 years ago
Wasn’t it Wilbur?