The Kettle

Once upon a time a rich man looking for the meaning of life decided that several experts in different professions should set up an experiment in order to observe a man for a period of time through a one way mirror. He thought this would help him find the answer.

During this period, the man, who had agreed to be observed, filled the kettle and switched it on.

"What is happening now?" said the rich man.

"He is meeting the physical needs of his body through replenishment," said the biologist.

"He is reasserting old habits so that he feels more at home," said the psychologist.

"The electricity is causing energy to be transferred to the water molecules, which means they are gaining kinetic energy and heat energy," said the physicist.

"The man is escaping the problems of his mind by ignoring the silence and distracting himself," said the philosopher.

Confused by the abundance of answers, the rich man went into the room and asked the man being observed, "What is happening now?"

"I'm making a cup of tea," said the man. "Would you like one?"