The following story took place long ago in Israel. One day when government officials were rebuilding a barn, they found a mouse hole in a corner and used smoke to force the mice inside the hole to come out. A while later they indeed saw mice running out, one after another.

Then, everyone thought that all the mice had escaped. But just as they just about to start to clean up, they saw two mice squeezing out at the exit of the hole. After some endeavor¹, the mice finally got out. The strange thing was that after they came out of the hole, they did not run away immediately. Instead, one chased after the other near the exit of the hole. It seemed that one was trying to bite the tail of the other.

Everyone was puzzled, so they stepped closer to take a look. They realized that one of the mice was blind and could not see anything, and the other one was trying to allow the blind mouse to bite on his tail so he could pull the blind one with him to escape.

After witnessing what happened, everyone was speechless and lost in thought. During meal time, the group of people sat down in a circle and started to chat about what happened to the two mice.

One serious Rome official said: “I think the relationship between those two mice was that of emperor and minister.” The others thought for a while and said: “That was why!” Thus the Rome official showed his arrogance² superciliously³.

A smart Israeli said: “I think the relationship between those two mice was husband and wife.” Again the others thought for a while, and all felt it made sense; so they expressed assent⁴. Therefore, the Israeli’s countenance⁵ showed self-satisfaction.

A Chinese, who was accustomed to the firm tradition of loyalty⁶ to parents, said: “I think the relationship between those two mice was that of mother and son.” Once again the others thought for a while, and felt this was more reasonable. So they expressed assent yet another time. Therefore, the face of the Chinese conveyed professional humility⁷.

At that moment, one pure-minded Samaritan who was squatted⁸ on the ground resting his chin in his palms, bewilderedly⁹ looked at other people, and asked: “Why did those two mice have to have a certain relationship?”

Suddenly, the atmosphere froze. Stupefied, the group looked back at the Samaritan and remained speechless. The Rome official, the Israeli and the Chinese who had spoken earlier all lowered their heads in shame, and did not dare to respond.

In fact, the true love is not established on benefit, friendship and loyalty or blood relationship. Instead, it is based on no relationship.