Why we continue to do what we are doing if there is a different way out there?

Tomorrow – 8 March 2008, is going to be the D-Day.

The D-Day is neither for the Barisan Nasional nor the Opposition parties, however it’s more about the D-Day for us, the rakyat.

So, before you put a cross on the ballot paper, I’d like to share a story with you.

Every time a monkey went up the ladder, the scientists soaked the rest of the monkeys with cold water.

After a while, every time a monkey went up the ladder, the others beat up the one on the ladder.

After some time, no monkey dare to go up the ladder regardless of the temptation.

Scientists then decided to substitute one of the monkeys.  The 1st thing this new monkey did was to go up the ladder.  Immediately the other monkeys beat him up.

After several beatings, the new member learned not to climb the ladder even though never knew why.

A 2nd monkey was substituted and the same occurred. The 1st monkey participated on the beating for the 2nd monkey. A 3rd monkey was changed and the same was repeated (beating).  The 4th was substituted and the beating was repeated and finally the 5th monkey was replaced.

What was left was a group of 5 monkeys that even though never received a cold shower, continued to beat up any monkey who attempted to climb the ladder.

If it was possible to ask the monkeys why they would beat up all those who attempted to go up the ladder…..
I bet you the answer would be….

“I don’t know – that’s how things are done around here”

Does it sounds familiar?

Why we continue to do what we are doing if there is a different way out there?

Only two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity.

And I am not so sure about the former.

Related posts:

1. [Mailbag] Why and How Malaysia Airlines Will Continue to be Lossmaking
2. Some thoughts
3. The monkey(s)
4. Jakarta: Continue to be under the water
5. Cans of worms