The Monkey Trap

Hola Everybody,
I have an informal meeting today and several interviews scheduled for the rest of the week. Man, late capitalism ain't no joke.

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Back in the day, it was easy to capture a monkey. All a hunter would have to do is wander into the forest and find a ripe coconut and cut a hole that was approximately the size of a monkey’s fist. He could then drink the refreshing milk and some of the soft flesh (young coconuts are best!). 

After eating, he would secure the now empty coconut with a chain or strong rope to a tree. After placing a banana or some other fruit inside the coconut, the hunter would go home.

Eventually, a monkey would come by the hollow coconut with the fruit inside and try to pull it out. However, the hole was only just large enough for the monkey’s empty fist. When his fist was holding the banana, he couldn’t get it out.

By the time the hunter returned they monkey had been struggling for hours to get his fist out along with the desired prize, the banana. Seeing the hunter approaching, the monkey redoubles his effort to extract the banana. 

Now mind you, all the monkey has to do in order to escape is to let go of the banana. Then he can pull out his hand and run for safety. But does the monkey let go? No way! The reason being that monkeys always think, “This is my banana. I found it. It’s mine!”

And that’s how monkeys get caught all the time.

Interestingly enough, it’s also how humans get trapped.

My name is Eddie and I’m in recovery from civilization…