A wise man was sitting outside the gated walls of a great city.

A traveler approached. “Tell me wise man, what kind of people will I find here?”

“What kind of of people did you find in the city from where you came?” asked the wise man.

“Good and kind. Generous and friendly.”

“You will find the same, here, traveler.”

Later that same day, another traveler approached the wise man.

“Wise man — what sorts of men and women live in yon city?”

“What sorts of people did you find in the city you are coming from?”

“Fools and dolts, cheats and swindlers. A pack of liars.”

“Sadly, my friend, you will find the same here.”