Word got out that Nasreddin Hodja possessed a jar full of vinegar that was 40 years old. One day a neighbour came knocking on the door.
`Hodja Effendi, is it really true that you have a jar full of 40-year-old vinegar?
`It is true. the Hodja replied.
`Could I have a cup full of that vinegar?
`No. said Hodja tersely.
`But Hodja Effendi, the displeased neighbour pursued, `why wouldnt you give me some? I only asked for a cup full.
`Because, Hodja explained, `if I were to give a cup full to everyone who asked, my vinegar wouldnt have lasted for 40 years.