Old man

Once there was a wise old man who seemed to have the right answer for every question. His neighbours consulted him about everything and accorded him the highest respect. One skeptical young man. However though otherwise. This young man believed that the old sage was just lucky to be thrown questions with which he was familiar and. Therefore. Was able to give credible answers. So one day the skeptical youngsters decided to test the old one. He hid a bird in one of his hands and visited the sage. The young ma. Asked the sage " old man is the bird in my hand dead or alive?