Life is Not a Joke, Boss! But...

Sage

Seated on a small rock across from Mount Kailash, the three young guys looked at the mountain with contentment and a hint of relief. Their minds hummed with the saint's warning, "It is not easy to climb," even though they had arrived with a strong sense of resolve. "Every step alters the mountain's course. Once someone reaches the pinnacle, they never come back. If you look for what you really want, you will find what you need."

The second man was unsure of how to complete his sentence, "Should we go back now, because..." His voice faded away, cutting the thought short.

Recognizing his reluctance, the third man said, "It's too cold to die out here. My body is at its breaking point. We should find a comfortable place to die."

The first man said, "Our bodies won't need to feel anything once we leave this world," while glancing at him with a bewildered expression.

The third man gave a shrug and said, "What should we do now?"

With a determined expression, the first man said, "We're climbing this mountain, no matter what."

As the saint said, "If we climb this, we won't come back," the third man grinned mockingly. Additionally, "the route itself is a riddle."

"My IQ levels are high. I'll figure out that riddle. We'll climb it, no problem," the first man assuredly answered.

Both men looked at him strangely, clearly annoyed by his comment. He was aware, however, that both men were struggling to suppress their laughter. They both knew that the first man's memory was extremely poor. For a few minutes at most, he could hardly recall anything, and half the time, he even forgot people's names.

Observing their responses, the first man made a hasty attempt to persuade them, saying, "Come on, guys. I'm capable of this. While I am aware that I occasionally forget things, this instance is unique. Believe me!"

The other two exchanged a look for a second before letting up and giving in,  "Alright, let's go up. What should be done first, then?"

Attempting to appear serious, the first man said, "Okay, see, this is Mount Kailash."

"Please, don't start with the history lesson or turn this into a big dramatic speech," interrupted the third man in a hurry and continued, "Tell us what to do, please!"

"It would be better if we didn't wear shoes," remarked the first man with assurance.

The second man said, "Are you out of your mind? how..." His speech faltered, frozen in shock."

Exasperated by yet another incomplete statement, the third man tapped his forehead and replied, "Sir, sir... Please, just do me a favor. Take off your socks for a moment," he mockingly remarked.

The first man, eager to make his point, removed his socks. He felt the icy cold strike him immediately. He put them back on without thinking, trembling and gasping for breath.

The two men looked at him in disbelief, "I think you get it now, right?" inquired the third man, arching an eyebrow.

With a sigh, the third man inquired, "Do you have any other brilliant ideas like this?"

After giving it some thought, the first man said, "Okay, fine. But we must take further action. It's unbearably cold up on this mountain. Thus, we must kindle a fire inside of ourselves! We have to climb this mountain at all costs. We must persevere and tear down the obstacles. If we wish to climb quickly, we need that kind of drive and spirit!"

"I'm heading back, man," moaned the third man, shaking his head. "Our purpose for being here is to hike, not to listen to motivational talks! To be honest, life is much easier than your annoying instructions. I don't want to pass away while hearing this!"