There was a chassid who used to travel a great distance to be with his rebbe, chassidic master Rabbi Aaron of Karlin. Once, while making his journey, he was asked why he couldn't find a rebbe who lived closer to his own town.

"Going to the Karliner gives me special powers," the chassid replied. "I can read everyone's thoughts."

"In that case," one man challenged, "can you tell me what I'm thinking of right now?"

"You're thinking about G‑d," said the chassid.

"You're wrong." said the man. "I wasn't thinking of Him at all."

"You see?" said the chassid. "That's why I travel to Karlin..."