How Corporate Life Evolved
Start with a cage containing five apes. In the cage, hang
a banana on a string and put stairs under it. Before long, an ape
will go to the stairs and start to climb towards the banana. As soon
as he touches the stairs, spray all of the apes with cold water.
After a while, another ape makes an attempt with the same result -- all
the apes are sprayed with cold water.
Turn off the cold water.
If, later, another ape tries to climb the stairs, the other apes will try
to prevent it even though no water sprays them.
Now, remove one ape from the cage and replace it with a new one.
The new ape sees the banana and wants to climb the stairs. To his
horror, all of the other apes attack him. After another attempt and
attack, he knows that if he tries to climb the stairs, he will be assaulted.
Next, remove another of the original five apes and replace it with a new
one.
The newcomer goes to the stairs and is attacked.
The previous newcomer takes part in the punishment with enthusiasm.
Again, replace a third original ape with a new one. The new one makes
it to the stairs and is attacked as well.
Two of the four apes that beat him have no idea why they were not permitted
to climb the stairs, or why they are participating in the beating of the
newest ape.
After replacing the fourth and fifth original apes, all the apes which
have been sprayed with cold water have been replaced.
Nevertheless, no ape ever again approaches the stairs. Why not?
Because that's the way we've always done it here!!
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