The Charcoal Burner and the Fuller

A charcoal-burner conducted his trade from the comfort of his own home. One day, he met a friend who was a fuller, and he invited him to come and live with him. The charcoal-burner believed that they would make far better neighbors and that their housekeeping expenses would be significantly reduced.

The fuller, however, politely declined the offer, saying, "The arrangement is impossible for me. Whatever I whiten, you would immediately blacken again with your charcoal."

This exchange highlights a fundamental truth: like will draw like.