A poor farmer had a friend who was famous for the wonderful apple tees he grew.
One day, his friend gave the farmer a young apple tree and told him to plant it. The farmer was glad of the gift, but he did not know where to plant it.
He was afraid that if he planted the tree near the road, strangers(陌生人) would take the fruit. If he planted the tree in one of his fields, his neighbors would come at night and take some of the apples. If he planted the tree near his house, his children would take the fruit. Finally he planted the tree in the deep forest. But without sunlight and good soil(土壤), the tree soon died.
Later the friend asked the farmer why he had planted the tree in such a poor place. "What' the difference?" the farmer said angrily and then told what he had thought.
"Yes," said the friend, "but at least someone could have enjoyed the fruit. Now not only no one could enjoy the fruit, but also you have destroyed (毁掉) a good apple tree!"
