Neurotica Page 13

Two research scientists once worked in a top secret underground facility where they conducted some of the earliest behavioural experiments on monkeys. In one such experiment, they confined a monkey to a vast room with only two fixtures: an overhead observation light and a banana. The banana was hanging down from the ceiling, so it was six feet off the ground. The two scientists watched eagerly from behind the locked door, peering in through the small window. As the day unfolded, they paid close attention, noting the monkey’s hunger response. But there was no noticeable response. He made no attempt to reach the banana; in fact, he didn’t seem to acknowledge it at all. Sitting right below it, unmoving, it was as if he was purposely ignoring the banana. This left the scientists perplexed. Of course, it was impossible for the monkey to reach the banana, but why had he made no effort at all? In fact, why no movement - not even a glance upwards? Was the monkey’s sense of defeat so strong that it rendered him immobile? The monkey remained in the room over night for further observation, with the hopes his hunger response would kick in. Still nothing happened.

  The next day, one of the scientists got a bright idea. There were many boxes around the facility, so he suggested they throw some in and see if the monkey was intelligent enough to stack them and climb up to the banana. The two agreed on the plan, brought the boxes in, carefully scattered them around the monkey, and left the room, locking the door behind them. The monkey showed absolutely no response to their brief visit - or the boxes. Exhausted and hungry from their long hours of observation, the two scientists left to get some lunch. When they returned, they peered into the room. Sure enough, the monkey had eaten all the boxes.

  Rumours