A student came one day to St. Philip Neri requesting an alms. As the Saint was giving it to him, he asked the young man what he intended to do with his life.

The student replied, "I am going to be a lawyer."

At this, the Saint asked "And what then?"

"I shall earn a good deal by my persuasive tongue" the young man replied.

"And then?" the Saint again asked.

"Why, then I shall enjoy a comfortable life in my old age."

"And then?" the Saint rejoined.

At this, the young man shifted uncomfortably, and said sadly "Well... then, of course, I must die."

"And then?" the Saint once more repeated.

The student did not answer a word, but went away with downcast looks. The words "And then?" sounded incessantly in his ears; he could not get them out of his mind.

But the Saint's words were not in vain; for, after reflecting upon the real and only reason for this present life, the student changed his ways, and in time became a pious and virtuous man.