The beloved and venerable philosopher is on his deathbed, surrounded by his flock of disciples. With great difficulty, he rouses himself to speak a few words of final wisdom. A great hush falls over the room.
"Life is like a cup of tea," he says.
The words were repeated, with reverent whispers, from one to another of the disciples, until this final bit of wisdom had reached those farthest removed
from the bedside. And at the very back of the crowd, a young disciple dared question the remark. Hesitantly, he whispers,
"But why is life like a cup of tea?"
Back through the crowd came the shocked comment, "He asks why life is like a cup of tea."
Finally, the murmur reached the very bedside, and at a questioning glance from the dying philosopher, the foremost disciple leaned forward and says:
"Someone has asked why life is like a cup of tea."
After a protracted and strained silence, the philosopher whispers,
"All right, then. Life is not like a cup of tea ..."