Omer 2019 Day 37: Capuchin Monkeys

Back to Day 36 | Skip to Day 38

Omer 2019 Day 37: Gevurah in Yesod, Justice in Connection
Capuchin Monkeys

Capuchin monkeys and some other social animals have been found to dislike inequality. In a study of Capuchin monkeys, two monkeys were rewarded for completing a task with a piece of cucumber, which they both happily ate. Then, the researchers started to give one monkey grapes (which are better). The monkey that still received cucumbers for its work rejected the treat. In some cases, the monkey that received grapes also refused the grapes if it saw that its friend wasn't getting the same reward.

This behavior can be attributed to the monkey's collaborative nature - they often have to work together to get things done. To receive different payment for the same work would breed resentment that could hamper those important relationships.

This year's animal Omer is a collaboration between myself and my friend Halli, a PhD in animal science. Thank you for counting the Omer with us!