The wisdom of owls is often overstated. They are magnificent hunters, yes, using a combination of acute vision, asymmetrically aligned ears, and special ‘stealth’ flight feathers to give them an advantage over their hapless prey. But wise they are not.

The wisdom of wols, on the other hand, is well known. Especially when compared with a bear of little brain. Mind you, all it really takes to seem an intellectual giant in such company is the ability to write “A Very Happy Birthday with love from Pooh”.

Or, even better, “HIPY PAPY BTHUTHDTH THUTHDA BTHUTHDY”.

From Winnie-the-Pooh, Methuen 1926