A man decides he wants a quieter, more peaceful life, so he joins a monastery. The monks live simply, and one of their strictest traditions is a vow of silence.
There is one small exception: each monk is allowed to speak only two words every seven years.
The new monk agrees to the rule and begins his silent life.
Seven years later, the elders call him in and tell him it is time to use his two words.
The monk thinks carefully and says:
Monk:
“Cold floors.”
The elders nod, write it down, and send him back to his quiet routine.
Another seven years pass.
The elders call him in again and remind him that he may speak his two words.
The monk sighs and says:
Monk:
“Bad food.”
Once again, the elders nod and send him back.
Seven more years pass. After 21 years at the monastery, the elders call him in for the third time.
They wait for his two words.
Monk:
“I quit.”
The elders look at each other and shrug.
Elder:
“Well, that’s not surprising.”
The monk looks confused.
Elder:
“You’ve done nothing but complain ever since you got here.”
Even with only two words every seven years, the monk still managed to complain every single time.