Brother John entered the ‘Monastery of Silence’ and the Abbot said, “Brother this is a silent monastery; you are welcome here as long as you like, but you may not speak until I direct you to do so.”
Brother John lived in the monastery for five years before the Abbot said to him, “Brother John, you may speak two words.” Brother John said, “Hard Bed”. The Abbot said, “I’m sorry to hear that, we will get you a better bed.” After another five years, Brother John was called by the abbot for two more words. Brother John said, “Cold Food”, then the Abbot assured him the food would be better in the future. On his fifteenth anniversary the Abbot again called Brother John into his office. “Two words you may say today”, and Brother John said, “I quit!” The Abbot replied, “It is probably for the best, you have done nothing but complain ever since you got here”.