Kaxigt äppelträd

Arthur Schopenhauer berättar denna historia i Studies in Pessimism:

A wide-spreading apple-tree stood in full bloom, and behind it a straight fir raised its dark and tapering head.
—Look at the thousands of gay blossoms which cover me everywhere, said the apple-tree; what have you to show in comparison? Dark-green needles!
—That is true, replied the fir, but when winter comes, you will be bared of your glory; and I shall be as I am now.

Alla har vi någon komparativ fördel, och det gäller att göra det mesta av den. Och att vara lite ödmjuk.