The Answer

Two learned colleagues sat together one spring day on a park bench overlooking the campus. They watched students walk by on their way to class. One, the younger of the two, had, at a time, been the pupil of the elder. Now they both were professors, highly regarded. Younger said aloud, "How will all the learning we have imparted on these youths be taken; how will they use this knowledge?" His colleague continued to view the passing of the young students, as if no words had been spoken. Again, Younger asked, "How will we explain our teaching?" Yet again, his elder companion ignored him and continued to enjoy the spring day and the many people around them. Finally, the younger teacher said, "What will the future generations understand of us?" The elder one rose and walked away.