In the first month he wrote: “I feel an expansion of consciousness and experience my oneness with the universe.” The Master glanced at the note and threw it away.

The following month, this is what he had to say: “I have finally discovered that the Divine is present in all things.” The Master seemed disappointed.

The third month the disciple’s words enthusiastically exclaimed: “The mystery of the One and the many have been revealed to my wondering gaze.” The Master shook his head and again threw the letter away.

The next letter said: “No one is born, no one lives, and no one dies, for the ego-self is not.” The Master threw his hands up in utter despair.

After that month passed by, then two, then five months - and finally a whole year without another letter. The Master thought it was time to remind his disciple of his duty to keep him informed of his spiritual progress.

Then the disciple wrote back: “Who cares?”

When the Master read those words a look of great satisfaction spread over his face.

"Master, I am troubled and have journeyed far to seek your legendary wisdom. My business has [specific problem X]. What should I do?"

The VC Master replied:

"Ah, I see your confusion. All the mental energy that you use to elaborate your misery has clouded your mind. The wise man spends zero time on what he could have done and all of his time on what he might do."

In that moment, the student was enlightened.

That's all an absurd and detached way of simply saying "keep your nose to the grindstone."

> How could I have figured out that there would be 221 IPOs in 2000 and 19 in 2001? Could anybody expect me to achieve a reasonable outcome given those circumstances?

What planet is this person from?