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A small box containing a large nut is affixed to a well-anchored post. The nut can be accessed only through a single, small hole in the box designed to accomodate an outstretched monkey’s grasping paw. Easy enough for the monkey to reach into, but when it makes a fist to clasp the nut, impossible for the monkey to withdraw. Of course, it is immediately evident to everyone (except the monkey) that all the creature need do to free itself is to let go of its prize. Clever hunters have discovered, however, that they can secure their prey hours or even days later, because the monkey- driven by desire- will not relinquish the nut. It will die first (and often does).Benjamin R. Barber |
