A dialogue between a bookish student and an athletic student on the comparative merits of mental and physical culture.

Aryan: Hey, Aakash! Still buried in your books, I see. How about taking a break and joining me for a game of tennis?

Aakash: Sorry, Aryan, but I can't afford to do that right now. The exams are just around the corner, and I need every hour I can get for studying.

Aryan: Ah, exams! I don't bother with those. What's the point, anyway?

Aakash: Well, if you want to get a degree like I do, you need to pass those exams. I've set my sights on becoming a B.A.

Aryan: And what good will that do you? You might end up with a government clerkship, but that's about it. Plenty of degree holders are still struggling to find decent jobs.

Aakash: Perhaps, but I'm not studying just to pass exams and get a degree. I want to enrich my mind with knowledge and develop my intellectual abilities.

Aryan: Oh, spare me the highbrow talk! You think all you need is a well-stocked brain, but in the real world, you need practical skills and a bit of muscle. You won't get those from books. Look at me, strong and fit from playing sports and staying active.

Aakash: If I had to choose, I'd prefer a cultivated mind over a strong body any day. The mind is more valuable than the body.

Aryan: So you're saying athletes can't be smart?

Aakash: Not at all, but remember what Kipling said about "muddied oafs and flannelled fools."

Aryan: Kipling was way off the mark with that one! I'd rather be a muddy oaf than a weak, bookish nerd any day.

Teacher: What's all this arguing about, boys?

[They explain.]

Teacher: I see. You're both right and both wrong. Aakash, a bit of exercise won't hurt your studies, and Aryan, a bit more studying won't hurt your physical strength. How about you play tennis now, Aakash, and then Aryan, you hit the books for a few hours?