This conversation is closed. Start a new conversation
or join one »
Why is it so hard to change tradition?
I read of an experiment on-line the other day. It didn't give much information about the origin of the experiment. But it went something like this, There are 5 monkeys in a cage, they have all been slightly under fed. A banana was put on top a podium in the middle of the cage, a monkey climbed the podium and got it. But when he touched it all of the other monkeys got sprayed with cold water. Another monkey went up on the podium when another banana was put there, except he was stopped this time by the other monkeys and beaten for trying to get the fruit. One by one the monkeys were to be replaced, the first new animal that was put into the cage mediately went for the banana, but was stopped and beaten. Then another monkey was replaced, he went for the banana but was stopped and beaten too, but the difference this time is the monkey that was beaten before joined in. The beatings continued as all the monkeys were replaced, and non of the monkeys knew why they were beating the other one up, only that they were beaten themselves for trying.
Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.
Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.
edward long 100+
Colleen Steen 500+
I totally agree that each case ought to be examined on its own merits, and that some traditions may be found to be positive and beneficial, while others are useless and harmful. We (humans) often get attached to traditions as the one and only reality, and sometimes believe that we cannot live without them.
With appropriate information, we have the mental capacity as evolving individuals, to filter information to make beneficial decisions in our global societies.
edward long 100+
Colleen Steen 500+
Yes, mental capacity can come into play with each and every scenario as we travel life's pathways. I suggest that "wise" and "safe" may be very different from each other, so it is "wise" for us to know what is "safe" and why.
Sometimes, we may not have an obvious "course of action", and in that case we can go along for the ride with as much love and courage as we can muster in the moment, always seeking balance:>) Yes, life can be interesting, challenging and fun:>)
I offer you a senario regarding change, tradition, courage, fear, uncertainty, and a LOT of all kinds of feelings and emotions.
I was a competitive athlete, singer, dancer, actor, model, very active participant in the community, and in the best physical and emotional condition I had ever been in, when I went horse-back riding one day.
When I regained consciousness two week later, after an emergency craniotomy and being on life support systems, everything was a blur, and I was in a child-like state emotionally and physically.
There were lots of people with me (daughter, son, x-husb, sisters, brothers, friends) and they were all a blur....who ARE these people? Who am I? What am I? Over a period of time, when I began remembering bits of information, my question was why am I alive?
For a LOOOOOONG time, I looked at my acting/modeling portfolio over and over again...looked at articles in the paper about me....acting and playing competive tennis....looked a photos of myself prior to the accident.....that's me??? Really? I read the medical reports over and over again....looked at photos of me with my kids, friends, etc.....that's me? Really?
Honestly, it would have felt MORE safe to stay in the box the medical professionals tried to give me....never function again....never have to make decisions....never have to work hard again....rest.....relax.....that would have felt REALLY good at that time.
I kept reaching......reaching......reaching outside the box Edward....beyond what felt safe.
Colleen Steen 500+
Many things changed for me at that time in my life. Of course, I still had/have the same family, the same home, the same underlying values, and all things that are important to me.
One important thing I learned is to detach from those things that are not really important......traditions, patterns, habits that don't make any sense and do not serve me OR humankind. We do not need to get hit in the head to learn this, as I'm sure you know Edward. It is a matter of mindfully taking in information and being aware of how we use information. That is how we can learn, grow, evolve, with a balanced life experience.....in my humble perception:>)
edward long 100+
I know you are not fishing for kudos, but kudos! What a story. Thanks for sharing your hard-won insight. You are right that If we could learn to wisely and candidly evaluate our traditions, habits, and beliefs perhaps they would not so stubbornly refuse change. Peace. --Edward
Colleen Steen 500+
Yes indeed.....Peace......