An Arab emir traveled to the US to have a quadruple coronary bypass performed by a special surgeon. The surgeon was an internationally recognized expert and had performed many coronary operation with extraordinary success But he was concerned about how much to charge the royal patient. If he overcharged, it might mean unfavorable international press and loss of goodwill But if he undercharged, the sultan would feel the operation was not serious enough to require this doctorıs special skills. The surgeon consulted his colleagues. He decided to charge $10,000. One of his friends then suggested that he asked advice from a lawyer who specialized in Middle East affairs.
The attorney listened, pondered for a few minutes, and then recommended that the surgeon submit a blank statement with a footnote:
"The sultan is wise. He can do no wrong."
It was a risky suggestion. It allowed the sultan to determine the worth of the operation. The doctor decided to take the risk. Shortly thereafter, he receive a check from the sultanıs royal exchequer for $100,000. The doctor was elated.
But euphoria lasted only few days when he receive a blank invoice from his attorney. It had a footnote:
"The value of your expert surgical skills is exceeded only by the value of my expert advice."