The Monkey and the Nuts
Story Summary
In "The Monkey and the Nuts," a certain city seeks to purchase land for a public deformatory but becomes entangled in greed as officials continually request more funds from the government. Their relentless demands lead to frustration, prompting the government to withdraw support entirely, leaving the officials empty-handed. This timeless moral story serves as an inspirational reminder of the consequences of greed and the limits of generosity, illustrating important lessons from moral stories that resonate across cultures.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that greed can lead to losing everything, as relentless demands can ultimately result in no support at all.
Historical Context
This story reflects themes of governmental bureaucracy and corruption, reminiscent of satirical tales from the early 20th century that critique the inefficiencies and moral failings of public institutions. It echoes the style of writers like Mark Twain, whose works often highlighted the absurdities of American society, particularly in the context of public finance and administration. The narrative ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about greed and the insatiable nature of those in power, resonating with broader cultural critiques of the era's political and social landscape.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the dangers of greed and the consequences of exploiting resources beyond necessity, reflecting how unchecked ambition can lead to failure and disappointment. In modern life, a local government may seek funding for a community project, but if officials prioritize personal gain over the community's needs, they risk losing public trust and ultimately jeopardizing the project's success—much like a company that continually raises prices to maximize profit, leading to a loss of customers.
You May Also Like
The Lion the Fox and the Ass
In the short moral story "The Lion, the Fox and the Ass," three animals agree to share the spoils of a hunt. After the Ass is devoured by the Lion for dividing the loot equally, the Fox wisely learns from this misfortune and takes the largest portion for himself when asked to divide the spoils. This tale, part of folklore and moral stories, emphasizes the importance of learning from others' experiences, making it a fitting choice for bedtime moral stories.
The City of Political Distinction
In "The City of Political Distinction," a tale reminiscent of folklore and moral stories, Jamrach the Rich embarks on a journey fraught with tolls and demands from various characters, ultimately losing his wealth along the way. After enduring bizarre trials, including being towed across a lake of black ink, he arrives in a city where everyone looks the same, only to discover he cannot return home. This short moral story serves as an inspirational reminder of the cost of folly and the perils of misplaced trust.
The Hen and the Golden Eggs
In this wisdom-packed moral story, a cottager and his wife, driven by greed, decide to kill their Hen that laid a golden egg every day, believing it must contain a treasure inside. However, they learn a valuable lesson when they discover the Hen was just like their other hens, ultimately depriving themselves of their daily wealth. This unique moral story highlights the dangers of impatience and greed, offering impactful lessons learned from stories that entertain while teaching.
Other names for this story
The Greedy City, The Endless Request, Government's Last Straw, The Fountain of Greed, The Unending Demand, The Public Deformity Dilemma, The Misguided Appropriation, The Price of Greed
Did You Know?
This story highlights the theme of greed and the insatiable nature of desire, illustrating how those in power often exploit public funds for personal gain, ultimately leading to a breakdown in trust between the government and the citizens it serves.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.