Gripe, Gripe, Gripe

A man joined a monastery of Trappist monks, where, in addition to the vows of celibacy and poverty, he was required to take a vow of silence. In fact, in this monastery he was allowed to speak only two words a year, and this was during his review in front of the order’s leaders at the end of each year. The man served his first year in absolute silence. At the year’s end, as his performance was being reviewed, he was allowed to speak.

The two words he spoke were, “Food cold.” He then served his second year in absolute silence.

At the year’s end, when he went in for review, he was allowed to speak again. The two words he spoke were, “Bed hard.” He then served his third year in absolute silence.

At the end of the year, when he went for review, his two words were, “I quit!” and he got up to leave. One of the leaders of the order said, “Your decision doesn’t surprise us; after all, for the last three years you’ve done nothing but complain.”