There once was a monastery that was very strict. Following a vow of
silence, no one was allowed to speak at all. But there was one exception to this rule. Every
ten years, the monks were permitted to speak just two words. After spending his first ten years
at the monastery, one monk went to the head monk. "It has been ten years," said the head
monk. " What are the two words you would like to speak?"
"Bed... hard..." said the monk.
"I see," replied the head monk.
Ten years later, the monk returned to the head monk's office. "It has been
ten more years," said the head monk.
"What are the two words you would like to speak?"
"Food... stinks..." said the monk.
"I see," replied the head monk.
Yet another ten years passed and the monk again met with the head monk who
asked, "What are your two words
now, after these ten years?"
"I...quit!" said the monk.
"Well, I can see why," replied the head monk. "All you ever do is
complain."
