By Gonny 
Imagine a monkey, high in a tree, with arms full of bananas. Other monkeys gaze longingly from below while this one keeps hoarding. Scientists scratch their heads under the tree: Why is he doing this? Trauma? A brain malfunction? Survival instinct?
Now picture a human, sitting in a glass tower, surrounded by piles of money and luxury. While others outside struggle to make ends meet, this human is celebrated in the media. Not as “research material,” but as an inspiration: “How This Entrepreneur Became a Billionaire Before 30!”
So, why do we call the monkey “greedy” and the human “successful”? Let’s break it down.
The Illusion of “More is Better”
The monkey collects bananas to survive. The human collects money for… well, why exactly? Money doesn’t spoil, but the things we attach to it—power, status, security—spoil our minds faster than an overripe banana. We’ve created a collective illusion that more is always better.
But what if we asked the monkey why?
• “I hoard bananas because I’m afraid I’ll have nothing tomorrow.”
Sound familiar? Replace “bananas” with “wealth,” and we’re looking in the mirror.
What the Monkey Forgot (and So Did We)
The monkey, on an instinctive level, knows the jungle belongs to him. He lives in an ecosystem where sharing, balance, and trust are essential. If he takes more than he needs, that system collapses.
And us? We’ve lost trust. We’ve forgotten that we already have everything: the air, the sun, nature, and our connection to each other. Our focus on material wealth is like a monkey hoarding bananas, forgetting that more will always grow on the tree.
Why Humans Are Called Successful
The difference lies in our stories. A wealthy human is praised because we view their behavior as a kind of victory: “Look, they conquered the world!” But what world? The illusion of scarcity we created ourselves.
And here’s the humor: if a monkey started acting like a human, we’d probably call it “trained.” But if a human started acting like a wise monkey, we’d call them… crazy.
A New Look at Success
What if we measured success by how much we contribute, not by how much we accumulate? A monkey that shares bananas ensures its community thrives. A human who uses their wealth to help others does the same.
Let’s be honest: the monkey who keeps hoarding bananas is just as lonely as the human in their glass tower. No connection, no joy. Only fear that someone will take “their” wealth away.
Conclusion: Bananas or Billions, It’s All What You Believe
Maybe it’s time we see humans as monkeys rather than the other way around. Because when you strip both stories down to their essence, you find the same truth: what you don’t give, you can never truly keep.
So next time you see someone “successful,” take a moment to ask: is this success… or just a monkey with too many bananas?
As A Course in Miracles reminds us: What you hold onto in fear, you can never experience in love.
Laugh, reflect, and share some bananas. You’ve got more than enough.