"Gentleman wants to know the shortest way to Winchester."
"Winchester?" an unseen voice replied.
"Aye."
"Way to Winchester?"
"Aye."
"Shortest way?"
"Aye."
"Dunno."
He wanted to get the nature of the question clear, but took no interest in answering it. This is exactly what modern philosophy does for the earnest seeker after truth. Is it surprising that young people turn to other studies?
Source: Bertrand Russell:The cult of "common usage" (1953).
More info.:http://russell-j.com/beginner/1002_CoCU-050.HTM