The monkeys of wisdom. 3 Brass Deco Statuettes 4cm

The Legend of the Three Monkeys of Wisdom

One of the most famous versions of the story of the "Monkeys of Wisdom" is an ancient Chinese legend that has been passed down through the generations and has become a popular metaphor to represent wisdom and the secrets of a successful life. Here's a popular version of this story:

Long ago, in a mystical mountain in China, there lived a hermit known for his wisdom and infinite knowledge. One day, a traveler climbed the mountain to find the wise man and ask him the secret of wisdom. The sage, seeing the traveler's determination, decided to teach him the most valuable life lesson he had ever learned.

The wise man took the traveler to a clearing not far away, where monkeys were playing happily. Among them were three peculiar monkeys, each perched on a different branch. The wise man said to the traveler, "Watch these monkeys carefully, for they hold the key to wisdom."

The first monkey covered his ears with his hands, the second monkey covered his eyes, and the third monkey covered his mouth. The sage explained: "These monkeys teach us not to hear evil, not to see evil and not to speak evil. By following these principles, we can live a life filled with peace and virtue."

The traveler then understood that wisdom lies in avoiding negative thoughts, words, and actions. He thanked the sage and left, determined to apply these teachings in his daily life.

The legend of the three monkeys of wisdom therefore encourages us to cultivate virtue and avoid harmful behavior. Since then, this story has been passed down as a precious reminder of the way of wisdom.