To: The Philosopher who wrote (9281 ) 4/15/1999 4:28:00 PM From: Edwarda Read Replies (2) | Respond to of 62549
When the plane fell into the ocean, there were only three survivors left clinging to a bit of fusillage--a priest, a businessman, and a lawyer. Drifting with the tide, they knew all too well that they were nothing more than a flyspeck in the vastness of the Pacific; they were despairing. Then, to their joy, the tide brought them within sight of an island, which looked to be inhabited. The businessman, a strong swimmer, immediately stripped and dove into the water to seek help for his companions. Alas, a third of the way to the island, he encountered sharks and swam back for his life. They began to drift away from the island. The priest said, "I am going to try to make it to shore. I shall put my faith in God." He stripped and dove into the water, but he had only swum a couple of yards when the sharks appeared again. They were nipping at his heels when his companions hauled him to safety. As the bit of fusillage continued to drift away from the island, the lawyer said, "This is ridiculous. If we don't get help from that island, we are sure to die. I'm going to try to get there." His companions attempted to dissuade him, but he stripped and dove into the water. Immediately, the sharks reappeared. The priest covered his eyes and began to pray for the lawyer's soul. But the businessman grabbed his arm, crying, "Look, father!" And, lo, the sharks had not attacked the lawyer; they had formed a protective circle around him and were leading him to shore. "It's a miracle!" marvelled the priest. The businessman replied, "Nah, it's merely professional courtesy." N.B. It also works when one substitutes investment bankers.