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A disciple found Chuang-tse sitting by the road. "Master", he asked,
"what is XML good for?" Chuang-tse did not answer, but continued sitting
quietly with his gaze effortlessly fixed on an ancient apple tree across
the road; whose branches stretched up to the very clouds themselves.
As the sun rose in the sky, a scholar approached. Seeing the mighty tree
he cried out. "Perfect! With the bark and pulp from that one tree I can
make enough paper to cover the World with the words of Master Lao! How
is this not a gift of Heaven?" and back he ran to fetch the local woodsman.
No sooner had the scribe disappeared when a ship builder approached from
the other direction. Seeing the mighty tree he exclaimed "Perfect! With
the wood from that one tree I can build enough ships to encircle the
World with messengers carrying the teachings of Master Lao! How is this
not a gift of Heaven?" Excited, he too ran off to fetch the local woodsman.
As the sun rose higher in the sky, a beggar drew near. Seeing the noble
tree he said not a word; but put down his pack on its roots, and sat
beneath its shade to rest his weary feet. Nicking two apples from a low
branch he smiled warmly at Master Chuang and his impatient student.
The disciple was enlightened.
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