English Original
At a remote monastery deep in the woods, the monks followed a rigid vow of silence. This vow could only be broken once a year on Christmas, by one monk, and he could speak only one sentence.
One Christmas, Brother Thomas had his turn to speak. He said, "I love the delightful mashed potatoes we have every year with the Christmas roast!" Then he sat down. Silence ensued for 365 days.
The next Christmas, Brother Michael got his turn. He said, "I think the mashed potatoes are lumpy and I truly despise them!" Once again, silence ensued for 365 days.
The following Christmas, Brother Paul rose and said, "I am fed up with this constant bickering!"
中文翻译
在森林深处一座偏远的修道院里，僧侣们遵循着一条严格的沉默誓言。这条誓言每年只能在圣诞节被打破一次，且仅限一位僧侣发言，他只能说一句话。
有一年圣诞节，轮到托马斯兄弟发言。他说：“我太喜欢我们每年圣诞烤肉时配的美味土豆泥了！”说完他便坐下了。随后又是365天的寂静。
第二年圣诞节，轮到迈克尔兄弟发言。他说：“我觉得这土豆泥疙疙瘩瘩的，我实在讨厌它！”再一次，寂静持续了365天。
第三年圣诞节，保罗兄弟站起来说道：“我受够了这没完没了的争吵！”