The Self-Made Monkey
Story Summary
In this short moral tale, a humble man in a high political office boasts about being a self-made man to a Monkey he encounters in the forest. The Monkey challenges his claim by demonstrating self-creation in a humorous way, ultimately conveying that merely being self-made does not constitute true achievement. This meaningful story imparts a simple lesson about the distinction between self-creation and genuine accomplishment, highlighting the value of humility and recognition of true merit.
Click to reveal the moral of the story
The moral of the story is that claiming to be "self-made" may be less impressive than it seems, especially when compared to the natural talents and abilities of others.
Historical Context
This story reflects themes of self-identity and meritocracy, often found in fables and folklore across cultures, particularly those attributed to Aesop. The narrative critiques the notion of self-made success by contrasting the man's pride with the Monkey's demonstration of effort, mirroring broader societal discussions on authenticity and the value of humble origins versus ostentatious claims. Similar motifs of animals embodying human traits appear in various retellings, emphasizing moral lessons that resonate through time.
Our Editors Opinion
This story highlights the notion that self-proclaimed achievements can often be superficial and lack true merit, a lesson that resonates in today’s world where personal branding and image can overshadow genuine qualifications. For instance, in the modern workplace, an employee may boast about their rapid ascent in a company, but if their success relies solely on self-promotion rather than actual skill or contributions, they may find themselves exposed when real challenges arise.
You May Also Like
The Manslayer
In "The Manslayer," a murderer fleeing from the victim's relatives desperately seeks refuge in a tree by the Nile, only to find a serpent waiting for him. In his panic, he jumps into the river, where a crocodile swiftly catches him, illustrating that nature offers no sanctuary for criminals. This short and moral story serves as a powerful reminder that wrongdoers cannot escape their fate, making it an inspirational short story with a clear moral.
Jupiter and the Baby Show
In "Jupiter and the Baby Show," a clever Monkey enters her unattractive cub in a competition hosted by Jupiter, who initially mocks the cub's appearance. However, the Monkey turns the tables by highlighting the flaws in Jupiter's own offspring depicted in antique sculptures, prompting Jupiter to award her the first prize to avoid embarrassment. This impactful moral story emphasizes the value of humility and the importance of recognizing one's own imperfections, making it a noteworthy addition to short story collections with moral lessons.
The Two Bags
In the culturally significant moral story "The Two Bags," an ancient legend reveals that every person is born with two bags: one in front filled with the faults of others and a larger one behind containing their own faults. This poignant metaphor serves as a lesson learned from stories, illustrating how individuals are quick to perceive the shortcomings of others while often remaining blind to their own failings. As a compelling addition to short story collections with moral themes for adults, it emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and humility.
Other names for this story
The Ambitious Ape, The Empowered Primate, The Climbing Critter, The Aspiring Simian, The Rise of the Monkey, The Self-Reliant Monkey, The Political Primate, The Driven Monkey
Did You Know?
This fable highlights the theme of self-creation versus inherited status, illustrating that mere claims of being "self-made" do not necessarily equate to true merit or value, as demonstrated by the Monkey's dismissive response to the Man's pride. It underscores the idea that true achievement often requires more than just personal effort; it involves the recognition of one's actions and their actual impact.
Subscribe to Daily Stories
Get a new moral story in your inbox every day.