A boy is about to go on his first date, and is nervous about what to talk about. He asks his father for advice.
The father replies, "My son, there are three subjects that always work. These are food, family, and philosophy."
The boy picks up his date and they go to a soda fountain. Ice cream sodas in front of them, they stare at each other for a long time, as the boy"s nervousness builds.
He remembers his father"s advice, and chooses the first topic.
He asks the girl, "Do you like spinach?"
She says "No," and the silence returns.
After a few more uncomfortable minutes, the boy thinks of his father"s suggestion and turns to the second item on the list. He asks, "Do you have a brother?" Again, the girl says "No" and there is silence once again.
The boy then plays his last card. He thinks of his father"s advice and asks the girl the following question: "If you had a brother, would he like spinach?"
—v. (past and past part. Found) 1 a discover or get by chance or effort (found a key). B become aware of.
- a obtain, succeed in obtaining; receive (idea found acceptance). B summon up (found courage).
- seek out and provide or supply (will find you a book; finds his own meals).
- discover by study etc. (find the answer).
- a perceive or experience (find no sense in it). B (often in passive) discover to be present (not found in shakespeare). C discover from experience (finds england too cold).
- law (of a jury, judge, etc.) Decide and declare (found him guilty).
- reach by a natural process (water finds its own level). —n. - discovery of treasure etc.
- valued thing or person newly discovered. all found (of wages) with board and lodging provided free. Find fault see *fault. Find favour prove acceptable. Find one's feet 1 become able to walk.
- develop independence. Find oneself 1 discover that one is (found herself agreeing).
