The Three Wise Monkeys

The Three Wise Monkeys
three wise monkeys, Photo by Joao Tzanno on Unsplash

Have you heard of the three wise monkeys?

  1. Hear no evil
  2. See no evil
  3. Speak no evil

In the modern west, it’s often used in the sense of ignoring something morally wrong. But in the original Japanese context, it’s about not doing or being morally wrong.

The other day, I heard a dramatic political statement, and I disagreed so violently I had no idea what to say or do.

The person who spoke sits sort of centre-rightish, and I’m more of a lefty.

But I’m kinda sure they meant it.

Philosopher that I am, I felt the greater good at that moment was to let it go rather than get into a fight about it.

But it still bugs me.

I’m not ignoring it, I’m just parking it.

Calmly and quietly gathering my evidence, and preparing to for the next time I hear something like it.

Because sometimes, discretion is the better part of valour.

One comment

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.