While Abraham Lincoln was living in Springfield, Illinois, one of his neighbors looked out the window and saw a curious sight. The tall, lanky lawyer was walking down the street with his sons Willie and Tad, carrying one boy under each arm. The boys were screaming at each other and trying to land punches. Without the intervention of the future president, they would certainly be in the throes of a bitter battle.

The neighbor came out and shouted to Lincoln. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

With a voice that hinted that his patience had been drained, Lincoln responded. “Just what’s the matter with the whole world. I’ve got three walnuts, and each wants two.”

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