How To Catch A Monkey

From the 1958 printing of Ideas and Stories for The Scoutmaster's Minute

Anybody here want to know how to catch a monkey? Well, I can tell you how they do it in India. They take a coconut, cut a small hole in it, and put some rice inside. Then they tie the coconut down securely and wait for the monkey.

Monkeys are greedy and selfish. I guess you could say anybody who is greedy and selfish is a monkey.  Anyway, monkeys are so greedy and selfish that they fall for the coconut trick every time.

The monkey sticks his paw into the coconut to get the rice. He gets a handful -- but then he can't get his hand out of the coconut.  His fist won't go through the small hole.  And he's so greedy and selfish that he won't let the handful of rice go.  He just waits there with is greedy fist wrapped around the rice until the men come and take him.

Well, you've got the moral to this story: Don't be greedy and selfish, or you may make a monkey of yourself.

Image Credit: https://thoughtsofascent.com

Positive Attitude Scoutmasters Minute

A good positive attitude can truly change the way you approach life, and your future. Let me illustrate with a short story.

A few years ago, there was a wildlife organization out west that offered a bounty of $5000 for wolves captured alive. 

Two friends, Sam and Jed, decided to make their fortune. Day and night, they scoured the mountains and forests looking for their valuable prey. 

Exhausted one night, they fell asleep dreaming of their potential fortune. 

Suddenly, Sam woke up a bit startled, and saw that they were surrounded by a huge pack of nearly 70 wolves with searing black eyes, and bared teeth. Low growls rumbling from their throats.

He slowly reached over and nudged his friend and said 'Jed, wake up! I think we're rich!'

Gentlemen, Sam had a positive attitude. I hope you do.