This heart-touching story beautifully captures the journey of human life through a symbolic comparison with animals. From the carefree days of youth to the burdens of responsibility, from protecting the household to entertaining grandchildren — it unveils the hidden wisdom of life we often overlook. A powerful reflection of the stages we all pass through, yet seldom stop to truly understand.
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| The True Tale of Human Life From Man to Donkey, Dog and Monkey |
The Story
The donkey was told:
“You will carry heavy burdens from morning till evening without rest. In return, you will be given food.”
“You will not have intelligence, and you will live for fifty years.”
The donkey replied:
“Alright, but fifty years is too much. Just give me twenty years.”
So, his wish was granted.
The dog was told:
“You will guard human homes.”
“You will be man’s best friend and eat the leftovers he gives you.”
“You will live for thirty years.”
The dog replied:
“Thirty years is too much, just give me fifteen.”
So, his wish was granted too.
The monkey was told:
“You will jump from branch to branch and amuse people with your tricks.”
“You will live for twenty years.”
The monkey replied:
“Twenty years is too long. I only want ten.”
His wish was also granted.
Then man was told:
“You will be the wisest creature on earth.”
“You will use your intellect to make life beautiful and make the earth flourish.”
“You will live for twenty years.”
Man replied:
“Only twenty years? That’s not enough to live as a human.”
“Give me the thirty years the donkey didn’t want.”
“And the fifteen the dog refused.”
“And the ten the monkey declined.”
So, his wish was granted.
And This Is Where the Real Story Begins:
Man lives the first twenty years as a human — free, happy, and full of curiosity.
Then he gets married.
For the next thirty years, he lives like a donkey — working tirelessly from morning till night, carrying the burden of responsibilities, and providing for the family.
After the children grow up, he enters the fifteen dog years — guarding the house, turning off lights, locking doors and windows, and eating leftovers.
Finally, when he becomes old and retires, he spends the last ten years like a monkey — going from one child’s home to another, making silly faces, telling stories, and entertaining the grandchildren.
Moral of the Story
This symbolic tale offers a powerful lens through which to view the phases of our lives. Despite technological advances and societal progress, the essence of human life — youth, responsibility, aging, and reflection — remains unchanged. While we live through each stage, we rarely pause to understand it. This story is a gentle reminder to reflect on life with awareness, gratitude, and acceptance.
