# “I never argued with anyone”

- Teacher: Ajahn Brahm
- Type: Joke
- URL: https://beingmindfulstories.com/stories/brahm-joke-never-argued
- Themes: humour, acceptance, longevity
- Life situations: conflict, arguments

## Synopsis (editorial summary)

A fit 90-year-old says the secret of his long life is that he never argued with anyone. “That can't be right,” says the interviewer. “Ah… I agree with you.”

## The story, as told by Ajahn Brahm (verbatim captions)

this man he was ah 90 years of age on his birthday still very fit and healthy and they was interviewed in the in the newspapers 90 years of age and you're still fit and healthy what's the secret of your fitness and health and long life he said cuz I never argued with anyone all my life and the interviewer said that can't be right and he said ah I ask I agree with you

## Teaching point

Arguing with life makes life a problem.

## Reflection (in the spirit of Ajahn Brahm's talk)

Asked the secret of his long, healthy life, the ninety-year-old said he never argued with anyone; told that couldn't be right, he cheerfully agreed. The joke follows Ajahn Brahm's answer about pain: fighting what is just adds tension. Not every disagreement needs winning. Some days, letting life have the last word is the most restful choice.

## Source

- [Peace Is The Highest Happiness | Ajahn Brahm | 2 May 2008](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jYrr952vbg) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 58:58 to 59:40: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jYrr952vbg&t=3538s