A man travelling the desert looked up in wonderment as the caravan passed by.

There were 12 camels led by a wizened old man. But strangely 11 of the camels were ambling along with nothing on their backs while the 12th camel had 15 heavy bags strapped to his back.

" Oh wise one," the man asked , "but isn't it strange to have one camel carry all the load while it can be shared by all 12?"

" Not at all," said the wizened man, " it is better to let one camel suffer than to inflict suffering on all 12."