Dividing the Bread

Short Version

Once two rats found a piece of bread. Both of them wanted the bigger part. They began to argue and fight. But they could not decide how to divide the bread.

At last, they went to a monkey for help. The monkey said, “You should solve this problem yourselves.” But the rats asked him again to help them.

The monkey broke the bread into two parts and put them on a scale. One part was bigger, so he took a bite from it. Then the other part became bigger. So, he took a bite from that part too.

He did this again and again. Soon, only a little bread was left. The rats asked for the rest, but the monkey said, “This is my fee.”

The rats got nothing and went away sadly.

Moral: When two people fight, another person may gain.

Expanded Version

Once two rats found a piece of bread. Both were hungry, and each wanted the larger share. They tried to divide the bread, but they could not agree. Soon they began to argue, and then they started fighting.

At last, they decided to ask a monkey for help. They went to him and said, “Please divide this bread fairly between us.”

The monkey first told them, “You should solve this small problem yourselves.” But the rats continued asking for his help. So, the monkey agreed.

He broke the bread into two pieces and put them on a scale. One piece was heavier than the other. The monkey said, “This part is too large,” and took a bite from it.

Now the other piece became heavier. The monkey took a bite from that piece too. Again and again, he compared the pieces and ate a little from whichever side was heavier.

The rats watched with growing worry. Soon, only two very small pieces were left. They said, “Please stop. We will divide the rest ourselves.”

But the monkey replied, “No. I have worked hard to solve your problem. I will keep what is left as my fee.”

He ate the remaining bread. The two rats got nothing and went away sadly. They understood that their quarrel had caused their loss.

Moral: When two people fight, another person may gain.