A martial arts student went to his teacher and said
earnestly, "I am devoted to studying your martial system.
How long will it take me to master it." The teacher's reply
was casual, "Ten years." Impatiently, the student answered,
"But I want to master it faster than that. I will work very
hard. I will practice everyday, ten or more hours a day if I
have to. How long will it take then?" The teacher thought
for a moment, "20 years."
