Money, looks or wisdom
Ralph had been trying earnestly and strenuously to live a good life. His effort went beyond reasonable, and he kept at it for decades. He learned and got better at it as he went along.
Finally one night on a camping trip a genie appeared to give him a wish. As his reward for the exemplary life he had been living, he could choose between becoming the richest person on earth, the best looking, or the wisest.
He had read some good things about wisdom and thought that it would have to be the wisest choice, right? He decided to pick wisdom. The genie told him his wish was granted. Lightning rippled through the visible universe, accompanied by a strangely harmonious and rhythmic thunder. The genie disappeared and Ralph was a changed person.
His camping mate was just coming back to the fire. He had heard the last part of the event. Ralph was now sitting with his eyes closed and a very serious look on his face. This was to be expected while considering some of the world's problems. There was a deep wisdom and concern in his expression that had never been there before.
When he finally opened them, his friend asked "so what are you thinking about now that you are so wise?"
"I should have picked the money."
