The Self-Made Monkey

A man of humble birth and no breeding, who held a high political office, was passing through a forest when he encountered a monkey.

"I take it you are one of my constituents," the man said.

"No," replied the monkey, "but I will support you if you can provide a valid claim to my approval."

"I am a self-made man," said the other proudly.

"That is nothing," the monkey replied. He then approached a larger pine tree and, using his own unaided efforts, climbed to the top branch. There, he sat, covered in the pitch that the tree exuded.

"Now," he added, "I am a self-made monkey."