At a gathering where the Hodja was present, people were discussing the merits of youth and old age. They had all agreed that, a man’s strength decreases as years go by.
The Hodja dissented. “I don’t agree with you gentlemen,” he said. “In my old age I have the same strength as I had in the prime of my youth.”
“How do you mean, Hodja Effendi?” asked somebody. “Explain yourself.”
“In my courtyard,” explained the Hodja, “there is a massive stone. In my youth I used to try and lift it. I never succeeded. Neither can I lift it now.”