NASA was interviewing professionals for a one-way mission to Mars.
The first applicant, an engineer, was asked about his desired salary. "One million dollars," he replied. "I wish to donate it to M.I.T."
The next applicant, a doctor, requested two million dollars. "One million for my family," he explained, "and the other for the advancement of medical research."
The final applicant was a lawyer. When asked the same question, he leaned in and whispered, "Three million dollars."
"Why so much more than the others?" the interviewer inquired.
The lawyer replied, "If you give me three million, I'll give one million back to you, keep one million for myself, and we'll send the engineer to Mars."