The consequences of imitating

In a village lived a farmer with his two donkeys. One day, he brought the donkeys to the market. One was carrying the salt; the other was carrying the spinach.

When he arrived at the river, he decided to tie them to a tree and take a short nap. While sleeping, both donkeys managed to break free. The one carrying the salt began walking by the river, suddenly it slipped and fell into the river. It couldn’t get up, as the salt was heavy. After a while the salt dissolved and the donkey managed to get up and started jumping about.

When the other donkey was envious and wanted to go in the river too. When the farmer woke up, he quickly pulled the donkey out. The donkey was stubborn and wanted to stay so his load would get lighter. Instead it was getting heavier!

Finally the farmer managed to get the donkey out. Then he hit the donkey and the load felt even heavier. That is an example of the consequences of imitating.