Video - The Journey of Life: From Donkey to Man to Monkey

God created the donkey and said, "You will be a donkey. You’ll work tirelessly from sunrise to sunset, carry heavy loads on your back, eat shrubs, and lack intelligence. You will live for thirty years." The donkey replied, "I’ll do all that, but thirty years is too much. Give me only ten." And so God did. Then God created the dog and said, "You will be a dog. You’ll guard man’s house, be his best friend, and eat whatever food he gives you." The dog said, "I’ll do all that, but twenty years is too much. Give me only ten." And so God did. God created the monkey and said, "You will be a monkey. You’ll entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. You’ll live for twenty years." The monkey said, "I’ll do that, but twenty years is too much. Give me only ten." And so God did. Finally, God created man and said, "You will be a man, the only rational being on Earth. You’ll use your intelligence to dominate nature and other animals. You’ll rule the world and live for thirty years." The man replied, "I’ll be the smartest creature and rule the world. But thirty years isn’t enough. Lord, give me the twenty years the donkey refused, ten from the dog, and ten from the monkey." And so God did. That’s why man lives thirty years as a man. Then twenty years as a donkey, working tirelessly from sunrise to sunset, carrying burdens on his shoulders. After that, he retires and spends ten years as a dog, guarding the house and eating what’s given to him. Finally, he grows old and lives ten years as a monkey, hopping from house to house, entertaining his grandchildren with jokes. That’s the reality of life.