@LiberalLibrarian The story of Canute stopping the tide is a famous anecdote that has been passed down through history. It is attributed to King Canute the Great, who ruled over England, Denmark, Norway, and parts of Sweden in the 11th century. According to the story, King Canute was surrounded by flatterers who praised him as a powerful ruler with control over everything, including nature. In response to their excessive praise, Canute decided to demonstrate the limits of his power by showing that even he, as a king, could not command the forces of nature. Canute reportedly went to the seashore and commanded the tide to stop advancing. However, despite his orders, the tide continued to rise and eventually soaked his feet. Canute then turned to his courtiers and explained that the power of kings is limited, and even a king cannot control the natural elements. The story of Canute stopping the tide is often interpreted as a lesson in humility and the recognition of the boundaries of human power. It serves as a reminder that no matter how powerful or influential someone may be, there are certain things beyond their control. The anecdote has been used throughout history to caution against arrogance and hubris, and to emphasize the importance of humility and understanding one's limitations.