If Everyone Is Playing A Part, Why Do We Need Theatre?

Non Cogito Ergo Non Sum

I'm sitting in a café when Descartes walks in and sits down at the table next to mine.
I pretend not to notice him, finish my coffee and call the waiter to pay. It's then I realise that I left my wallet at home.
I turn to Descartes and say, "Sorry, Monsieur, but do you think you could lend me 5 euros?"
"I think not…" he replies and suddenly disappears in a puff of smoke.

Old Chinese Parable

Two boyhood friends grow up and go their separate ways. One becomes a humble monk, the other a rich and powerful minister to the king. 

Years later they meet again. 

As they catch up, the minister in his fine robes takes pity on the thin, shabby monk. 

Seeking to help, he says, “You know, if you could learn to cater to the king you wouldn’t have to live on rice and beans.”

To which the monk replies, “If you could learn to live on rice and beans you wouldn’t have to cater to the king.”