Monkeys agree to water a gardener’s young trees. Unsure how much water to give, their leader tells them to pull up each tree and inspect its roots.
They work hard, but the trees die. Their helpful intention lacks the knowledge needed for the task.
Adapted from Ellen C. Babbitt, More Jataka Tales (1916), chapter VI · Source text & illustration
Fables use imaginary events to invite reflection; interpretations vary.
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