After attending college for several years, the young man became convinced that his academic pursuits were a travesty. He therefore determined to seek the meaning of life and sought enlightenment from some of the most renowned sages of the day.
At last he learned of one especially learned philosopher, who had secluded himself in a hermit-like existence in order to think deep thoughts. Weeks of back-breaking travel were required, but at last he reached the distant cave where the sage resided. The setting was indeed austere, and the long trek had made the fellow anxious for the enlightenment he might receive.
Entering the cave he prostrated himself and humbly asked,
"Master, what is life?"
"Life," pronounced the wizened old man gravely, is the scent of flowers after a spring rain."
Perplexed, the student frowned. "Master," he objected hesitantly, "A guru from the east I encountered in my travels taught me that life was a thorn like a needle of tempered steel."
The sage nodded calmly and replied,
"That's his life ..."