Aesop

The Monkeys and Their Mother

Summary

This story presents a simple yet profound lesson on the unintended consequences of parental favoritism and affectionate smothering. It tells of a mother monkey who has two offspring, showing bias by showering one with excessive love and affection while neglecting the other. Ironically, the baby monkey that receives the overwhelming affection is smothered, while the one that was ignored survives and thrives. The story highlights the dangers of overprotectiveness and the potential resilience that can develop in the face of neglect, offering a thoughtful reflection on the balance needed in nurturing and caring for children.

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The Monkey, it is said, has two young ones at each birth. The Mother fondles one and nurtures it with the greatest affection and care, but hates and neglects the other. It happened once that the young one which was caressed and loved was smothered by the too great affection of the Mother, while the despised one was nurtured and reared in spite of the neglect to which it was exposed.

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