CIGAR JOKE

 

Two monks from different monasteries were old friends who shared a greatfondness for cigars. Once each year when they had a chance to visit, they wouldpray together and, of course, light up.

Eventually, however, they became concerned that there might be some sin intheir habit and they each resolved to ask their respective superiors forguidance.


When they met again, one was puffing away. 
"But the head of my monastery told me it was a sin," protested theother.


"What did you ask him?" said the first.
"I asked him if it was all right to smoke during evening prayer and he said, 'No.'"


"Well," said his friend as he blew a perfect smoke ring into the air,"I asked my superior if it was allright to pray during our eveningsmoke and he said it was just fine!"


MORAL OF THE STORY: The answer you get depends on the question you ask.


The point this story is that the problem of finding the right question iscentral to any kind of research.

the above was lifted from . . .

ENIGMAVARIATIONS: QUESTIONS FOR A LIFETIME'S WORTH OF RESEARCH
University of Delaware Undergraduate Research Symposium 
Keynote Address
May 6, 2000
Jennifer A. Mangels, Ph.D. (UD 90')

If you didn't like this joke, you can go to Mesopotamia