The fourth monkey

It is very clear that the rage-bait AI video, reportedly produced by a state-sponsored foreign publication depicting Filipinos as monkeys, is undoubtedly another crude attempt to undermine a landmark ruling by an international arbitration body. After all, we all know that our worth as a nation is not defined by such stupid, inane caricatures but by how steadfast we are in protecting and asserting our sovereign rights.

I find it quite ironic, however, that in trying to disparage Filipinos, they chose a meme with a monkey – a creature that is depicted in their traditional folklore and literature as smart, resourceful and brave, not afraid to fight immortals and demons. In fact, numerous movies have been made over the years about an archetypal hero known as “the monkey king.” More significantly, there are also the “three wise monkeys” that embody core principles of ancient eastern philosophy.

For centuries, the image of the three wise monkeys has endured, serving as a reminder as well as an admonition for people to be mindful of their conduct, and to guard against malicious and improper behavior. These images are very familiar: one monkey covers his eyes, another cups his hands over his ears, while the third one puts his hands on his mouth. These have been traditionally interpreted as “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” – a guardrail or moral anchor for one to avoid wrongdoing.

But in today’s world of social media that has made it so easy to quickly spread and amplify viral videos, share manipulated images, sow disinformation and circulate uninformed opinions at the click of a mouse or the press of a button, perhaps it is about time to examine the three monkeys under a different lens to reveal the fallacy of “deliberate ignorance and passive complicity” that comes with the mistaken belief that it is OK to ignore wrongdoing because it can help in avoiding conflict.

Every single day, we are bombarded with information – some of them factual, but a lot more of them serving as “bait” – carefully crafted to provoke emotion, sow division or manipulate public opinion. Clever memes, sarcastic posts, anonymous and troll accounts, edited videos and fake art cards can now travel faster than reason itself. And the louder the noise, the harder it becomes to distinguish truth from propaganda.

The greater menace today is not seeing evil – it is refusing to see the truth or worse, being willfully blind to the truth because it is convenient and effortless. The bigger danger today is not hearing unpleasant words but refusing to listen to facts that challenge our biases. The bigger risk today is not speaking carelessly – it is refusing to speak the truth when one’s conscience demands it.

The temptation is great to simply accept anything that confirms our own beliefs and biases, because that path is the most convenient and expedient to take. However, democracies, friendships and even families cannot survive if people stop asking questions and don’t think for themselves.

Which brings me to this point – perhaps the first monkey should no longer put his hands over his eyes. Instead, he should open them wide enough to see reality as it is and not according to how others want him to perceive it.

The second monkey should stop clamping his hands over his ears. Listening only to voices that echo one’s own opinions is not wisdom, it is folly. Real understanding comes from listening patiently, weighing evidence and recognizing that truth is often more complicated than slogans or motherhood statements.

The third monkey should uncover his mouth. Silence is sometimes prudent, but staying quiet in the face of deception allows falsehood to flourish. Speaking the truth requires courage, particularly when doing so is unpopular.

History offers many examples of nations that have stumbled and floundered because citizens accepted convenient lies over uncomfortable facts. Leaders have failed because advisers were afraid to speak honestly. Institutions have weakened because too many people chose comfort over integrity.

At the same time, history also reminds us that societies recover because there are always individuals willing to see clearly, hear fairly and objectively and speak responsibly.

This reminder applies not only to governments but to each one of us. So before sharing or forwarding a sensational message, verify whether it is true or not. Before reacting to an inflammatory post or video, pause and ask who would benefit from your anger. Before judging another person, reflect first and consider if you have heard the entire story or not.

The strongest societies are not those that never argue or disagree. They are those whose citizens value truth more than tribal loyalty, evidence more than emotion and independent judgment more than popular applause.

The challenge before every nation, every institution and every citizen is not simply to avoid evil. It is to refuse to become blind to reality, deaf to truth or mute when integrity calls. In the end, real wisdom is not found in silence alone a– it is exemplified in the courage to see the truth, hear the truth and speak the truth.

The ancient proverb of the three wise monkeys remains prudent and judicious, but perhaps it now deserves a contemporary iteration. Imagine a fourth monkey – not one covering his face, but one standing upright with eyes open, ears attentive and ready to speak the truth with a steady voice. He neither follows the crowd blindly nor repeats what others expect him to say. Instead, he listens carefully, examines the facts and then speaks with honesty and conviction – the ultimate ideal for a real monkey from ancient times.

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