Philosophy

There was a great philosopher. In his lifetime, he had been employed to teach at four renowned universities and he had received many rewards and accolades. One day he simply disappeared and was not seen again for five years.

A student, out for a walk one day, encountered a grubby beggar sitting on the side of the road and recognized him as the famous philosopher. He had always been very much taken by the writings of this great thinker so he stopped and pleaded with him to be taught by him. The philosopher turned beggar told him, "If you can do what I do for three days, I will teach you." Of course, the young man agreed.

For the next two days, as the philosopher who now begged for his existence sat at the side of the road, the young student sat beside him. When the older man begged, so did the young one. When the older one ate, then the young one ate. When the elder slept, the youth slept too. He did everything as the former philosopher did.

On the third day, as they sat, a fellow beggar, sitting near them became extremely ill, so much so that nearby shopkeepers finally called for help and an ambulance was summoned to the scene. While they waited for it to arrive. The old philosopher provided what help he could to his associate. When the medics arrived, the youth and the old man helped them load the gravely ill man into the ambulance and watched them drive away.

As the ambulance pulled away, the old man turned to the younger one and said, "Well, at least we won't have to beg today. Our friend left some food behind. We can eat that."

He then went over and began eating the food left behind by the ill beggar. the young student was appalled. He refused to join in the meal. The old philosopher remarked, "You agreed to do as I did for three days and then I would teach you. You have failed to live up to your end of the bargain. Go away."