How to call into the world

An old man once sat outside the city gates. Anyone who wanted to go into town passed him. A stranger stopped and asked the old man, „Tell me, how are the people here in town?“

„How were they where you were last?“ The old man asked back.

„Wonderful. I felt very comfortable there. You were friendly, generous and always helpful.“

„That’s how they’ll be here too.“

Then another stranger came to the old man. He also asked, „Tell me, dude, how are the people in town?“

„How were they where you were last?“ Was the counter question.

„Terrible. They were mean, unkind, no one helped the other.“

„Well, I’m afraid they’ll be here too.“