The Parable of the Donkey, the Ghost, and Us

One night, a ghost quietly cut the rope of a donkey tied to a tree, setting it free. The donkey, unaware of the consequences, wandered into a nearby farmer’s field and trampled the crops that had taken months of hard work to grow.

Furious at the loss of his livelihood, the farmer’s wife, in a moment of rage, shot the donkey dead. The donkey’s owner, devastated and unable to think beyond his immediate grief, retaliated by killing the farmer’s wife.

Blinded by vengeance, the farmer grabbed his sickle and killed the donkey’s owner. The owner’s wife, consumed by anger and sorrow, along with her sons, set fire to the farmer’s house. Watching his home reduced to ashes, the farmer, in his final act of madness, slaughtered the donkey owner’s entire family.

Finally, overwhelmed by regret and ruin, the farmer cried out to the ghost:

“Why did you make us destroy each other?”

The ghost calmly replied:

“I did nothing but untie a donkey. It was all of you who released the anger, greed, fear, and hatred already within. I simply revealed what was hidden inside you.”

A Reflection for Today

In many ways, modern media, sensational headlines, social media influencers, and even political rhetoric play the role of the ghost. Every day, they untie new “donkeys”—half-truths, polarizing narratives, rumors, and outrage triggers.

People, much like investors in a volatile market, react impulsively. A small market correction sparks panic selling. A rally driven by hype lures in the greedy. We chase what’s trending, dump what’s out of favor, and in the process, erode not just our portfolios but also trust in institutions, communities, and one another.

Social and political issues follow the same pattern. A policy decision, a viral video, a stray comment—these become the untied donkeys. Instead of thoughtful discourse, we often resort to knee-jerk reactions, blame games, and divisions, leaving behind scorched relationships and fractured societies.

The ghost will keep untying donkeys. The real test is of our character—whether we choose to react blindly, or pause, reflect, and act with wisdom.

In investments, in politics, and in life—the devil is not in the donkey. The devil is in how we choose to respond.

Needs serious introspection.