The father of a bright young son went to a wise friend for advice as to what profession the youth should be fitted for. The sage was brusque.
"Let the boy choose for himself," he said.
"But," protested the father, "he's too young."
"Well," responded the wise man,
"put him in a room alone with a book on theology, an apple, a knife, and some small change, and see what he makes of it. If he chooses the book, make a minister of him, if he takes the knife, make him a surgeon; if the apple, he will make a farmer, and if he chooses the money a banker."
Much relieved, the father went away, but returned in a few days complaining the plan hadn't worked at all.
"Why not?" demanded the wise man.
"What did he do?"
"When I went in," said the father,
"he was sitting on the book, with the knife in one hand and the money in his pocket, and eating the apple."
"Ah!" said the sage,
"that's easy. The boy is a natural born lawyer."