I wonder if he ever called the Prime Minister that before the Prime Minister asked the question about egotism. This story illustrates how enlightenment does not put the master above the student. I'm sure the daily obits would take up most of the paper. I think I was more frightened that a man in his position would ask such a question. Many questions are egotistical in themselves.
Questions are necessary.
If the question got the Zen master angry, it must be because he thought the Prime Minister should know better. Maybe he really thought he was better than the Prime Minister. Or maybe the master felt inadequate because he thought he had taught the Prime Minister better. Let me know.