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The Monkey And The Fish

A typhoon had temporarily stranded a monkey on an island. In a secure, protected place, while waiting for the raging waters to recede, it spotted a fish swimming against the current. It seemed obvious to the monkey that the fish was struggling and in need of assistance. Being of kind heart, the monkey resolved to help the fish.

A tree precariously dangled over the very spot where the fish seemed to be struggling. At considerable risk to itself, the monkey moved far out on a limb, reached down and snatched the fish from the threatening waters. It carefully laid the fish on dry ground. For a few moments the fish showed excitement, but soon settled into peaceful rest. Joy and satisfaction swelled inside the monkey. It had successfully helped another creature.

About monkeys. Like others who have heard this story, you may wonder about the intelligence of this monkey – a valid first impression. But let's look deeper by asking questions and discovering some important insights. Take a moment to answer the following questions:

1. What was the monkey's motivation?

2. What words would you use to describe the monkey as it went out over the raging water on a precarious limb to “help” the fish?

3. Why did the monkey help the fish by taking it out of the water?

4. What did the monkey assume about fish culture?

5. How do you think the fish felt about the help it received?

6. What advice would you give the monkey for future situations where it would like to help?

7. In what way might people be like the monkey?

Here is the key to the story. First, the monkey was courageous, had good intentions and noble motives. It also had zeal. However, its motives were misdirected because of its ignorance – it could not see beyond its own frame of reference. It believed what was dangerous for it was dangerous for the fish. Therefore, what would be good for it, would also be good for the fish – a wrong assumption. As a result, it acted out of its ignorance or limited frame of reference, and ended up doing damage rather than the good it intended. Unfortunately, the monkey may not even have known the damage it did, because it may have walked away leaving the fish “resting”.

from Cross-cultural Connections by Duane Elmer

Guided practice

Three Aspects of Culture

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