How You Say It Matters : An Animal Story

Let us enjoy reading this story of How You Say It Matters.

A monkey-trainer in the state of Song was fond of monkeys and kept several of them in his house. He understood their language and they understood his.

Once when the province was stricken by drought and food was scarce he decided to reduce their daily ration of chestnuts.

He said to them: "From tomorrow, I'll give you three chestnuts in the morning and four in the evening. You will have to be satisfied with that."

The monkeys were very angry and created an uproar with their chattering.

"All right, all right," said the master, after a while.

"No need to get so upset. I'll give you four chestnuts in the morning and three in the evening."

The monkeys were satisfied and immediately quietened down.

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