The "What Then?" Test
StoryIllustration★★★★From the 16th century comes a story of a probing conversation between an ambitious young man and a devout Christian named St. Philip Neri. The youth said to him excitedly, “My parents finally agreed to my studying law!” Philip asked simply, “What then?”
He replied, “Then I shall become a lawyer!” “And then?” pursued Philip. “Then I shall earn lots of money, buy a country house, get a carriage and horses, marry a beautiful woman, and lead a delightful life!” he responded.
Again Philip asked, “And then?” “Then…” The young man began reflecting for the first time on death and eternity. He realized that he had not acknowledged God in his plans and was building his life on temporal values.
The point
St. Philip Neri's conversation with an ambitious youth: 'What then?' question reveals the youth's lack of eternal perspective and acknowledgment of God in life plans.