A Dialogue

A teacher, on his way to school, often saw a young man sprawled under a tree, either dozing, whistling, or humming a tune.

One day, unable to contain himself, the teacher spoke to the young man.

“Hello, young man, why don’t you take up some work?” the teacher asked.

“What for?” the young man replied, looking up with curiosity.

“You’ll earn money, of course!” the teacher explained.

“What for?” came the young man’s question again.

“Well…” the teacher hesitated and finally said, “You’d get married and have children.”

“What for?” the young man asked once more.

“They will grow up and earn for you!” the teacher elaborated.

“What for?” the young man inquired again, unfazed.

“So that you can relax!” the teacher exclaimed, feeling increasingly frustrated.

“Gentleman, what do you think I’m doing now?” the young man responded playfully, returning to his whistling.

The teacher fell silent, contemplating the young man’s perspective, and continued on his way, pondering the true meaning of work and purpose.