Tibet, Long Ago: There once was a monastery where the monks were not allowed to speak at all, except that every five years, if he wished to do so, each monk was permitted to speak two words. And so it was that, after his five years, the newest monk went to see the head monk.
“Very well,” said the head monk. “What are the two words you’d like to speak?”
“Bed … hard,” said the monk.
“I see,” replied the head monk.
Five years later, the same monk returned to the head monk’s office. “It has been five 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.
And when another five years had passed, and the monk once again met with the head monk, the head monk asked, “What are your two words now, after these five years?”
“I … quit!” said the monk.
“Well, I can see why,” replied the head monk. “All you ever do is complain.”
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