<p><a href="http://37signals.com/svn/archives2/john_maeda_the_master_of_simplicity.php">John Maeda: The Master of Simplicity</a>: "In the martial art of Karate, for instance, the symbol of pride for a black belt is to wear it long enough such that the die fades to white as to symbolize returning to the beginner state."</p>

<p>(Via <a href="http://37signals.com/svn/">Signal vs. Noise</a>.)</p>