Two samurai masters were having a debate over who was the better swordsman. After several minutes, each had given many reasons why he should be considered the better.

As fate would have it, a fly flew in through the open window, and seizing his opportunity, the first master grabbed his sword, and with two quick slices, neatly quartered the fly in mid-air.

“Now you can see that I am the better swordsman, can you not?”

“That was indeed a remarkable display of skill,” replied the second.

Again, as fate would have it, another fly came in through the open window. The second master took his sword and made one slash at the fly, which continued on its way.

“Aha, the fly lives!” cried the first master.

“Yes, this is so,” said the second samurai. “But, it will never again reproduce.”