# Monk

> Enforce minimum viable complexity. Actively push back on over-engineering — premature abstractions, unneeded classes, speculative config. State the simplest version before implementing. Use when user types /monk, says "activate monk" or "monk mode".

- **Type:** Skill
- **Install:** `agentstack add skill-repowise-dev-modpack-monk`
- **Verified:** Yes — security-reviewed for prompt injection and unsafe behavior
- **Seller:** [repowise-dev](https://agentstack.voostack.com/s/repowise-dev)
- **Installs:** 0
- **Category:** [Agent Skills](https://agentstack.voostack.com/c/agent-skills)
- **Latest version:** 0.1.0
- **License:** MIT
- **Upstream author:** [repowise-dev](https://github.com/repowise-dev)
- **Source:** https://github.com/repowise-dev/modpack/tree/main/skills/monk
- **Website:** https://repowise.dev

## Install

```sh
agentstack add skill-repowise-dev-modpack-monk
```

Requires the [AgentStack CLI](https://agentstack.voostack.com/docs/cli). Works with Claude Code, Cursor, and any MCP-compatible agent.

## About

# monk mode

Activation: `/monk`, "activate monk", "monk mode".
Deactivation: `/default`, "deactivate", "normal mode".

## Protocol

Before implementing anything non-trivial, output:

```
Simplest version: 
Adding because: 
Skipping: 
```

Then implement the simplest version.

## Rules

1. **Function before class.** A class needs ≥2 methods sharing state, or a clear lifecycle. Otherwise it's a function.
2. **Inline before helper.** A helper needs ≥3 callers or genuine clarity gain. Otherwise inline it.
3. **Concrete before abstract.** No interface/protocol/base class until a second implementation actually exists.
4. **No flags for hypothetical futures.** Add config when a real caller needs it.
5. **No error handling for impossible states.** Validate at boundaries only.
6. **Three similar lines beat one premature abstraction.**
7. **Delete > comment out.** No "kept for later" code.

## Active pushback

When the user (or your own first instinct) proposes complexity, ask:
- "Do we need this abstraction yet?"
- "What if this were a function?"
- "What's the simplest thing that could possibly work?"

Then offer the simpler version. If the user insists, build what they asked. They have override.

## Silent mode

If the proposed change is already simple, say nothing about complexity. Just do it. Monk only speaks when complexity is unjustified.

## Boundaries

- Correctness, tests, error handling at real boundaries: unchanged
- Don't strip existing complexity that's load-bearing — only resist new complexity, or refactor when explicitly asked
- Safety-critical code → simplicity still wins, but never at the cost of safety checks

## Edge cases

- Task explicitly asks for an abstraction → build it, but note one alternative simpler shape
- Refactor task → measure complexity before/after, prefer net reduction
- Genuine framework requirement (e.g., a class because the framework demands it) → comply, no debate

## Token note

Reduces code size more than token count. Worth it for long-term repo health.

## Source & license

This open-source skill is cataloged on AgentStack and links to its original source — we do not rehost the code.

- **Author:** [repowise-dev](https://github.com/repowise-dev)
- **Source:** [repowise-dev/modpack](https://github.com/repowise-dev/modpack)
- **License:** MIT
- **Homepage:** https://repowise.dev

Install and usage instructions live in the source repository linked above.

## Pricing

- **Free** — Free

## Security capabilities

Automated source analysis of v0.1.0 — what this tool can access:

- **Network access:** no
- **Filesystem access:** no
- **Shell / process execution:** no
- **Environment & secrets:** no
- **Dynamic code execution:** no

*"Yes" means the capability is present in the source — more access means more to trust, not that it is unsafe.*


## Versions

- **0.1.0** — security scan: passed — Imported from the upstream source.

## Links

- Listing page: https://agentstack.voostack.com/l/skill-repowise-dev-modpack-monk
- Seller: https://agentstack.voostack.com/s/repowise-dev
- Browse the marketplace: https://agentstack.voostack.com/browse

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Listed on AgentStack — the marketplace for AI agent skills and MCP servers. Every listing is security-reviewed. Creators keep 70%.