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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. -kip
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