Summary - Chapter I: Three Men in a Boat

In Chapter I of "Three Men in a Boat," the author narrates a humorous incident involving a guru and his disciple in the kingdom of fools. The story is set in the 19th century and revolves around three friends, including the author himself, who embark on a boating trip along the River Thames.

Introduction
The chapter begins with the author describing the beauty of the River Thames and the joy of boating. He mentions how boating is an activity that allows one to forget about their daily worries and enjoy the serenity of nature.

The Guru and His Disciple
While boating on the river, the author and his two friends come across a guru and his disciple. The guru is a spiritual teacher who claims to possess great knowledge and enlightenment. Intrigued by the guru's wisdom, the author and his friends decide to engage in a conversation with him.

The Kingdom of Fools
The guru tells them about a kingdom called the "Kingdom of Fools" which is known for its peculiar inhabitants. In this kingdom, people are considered foolish if they do not possess any wisdom or knowledge. The guru and his disciple decide to visit this kingdom to further explore the concept of foolishness.

The Two Strange Things
Upon reaching the Kingdom of Fools, the guru and his disciple come across two strange things:
1. A man who is being carried in a sedan chair by four other men: This man claims to be the king of the kingdom, and his peculiar behavior and lack of intelligence confirm the foolishness prevalent in the kingdom.
2. A man sitting on a throne and pretending to be a priest: This man tries to convince the guru and his disciple that he possesses great spiritual wisdom and is the most enlightened person in the kingdom. However, his words are empty and devoid of any true knowledge.

Conclusion
The author and his friends find the encounters with the guru and his disciple in the Kingdom of Fools both amusing and thought-provoking. These encounters serve as a satirical commentary on the prevalence of foolishness and false wisdom in society. The chapter sets the tone for the rest of the book, highlighting the humor and wit that can be expected throughout the journey of the three men on the river.

The two strange things that the guru and disciple observed were that everyone in the kingdom sleep at day and work at night. Other thing was that everything there whether one grain of fine are of 1 duddu.