"你永远无法说服一只猴子通过承诺他在猴子天堂死后得到无数香蕉来给你一根香蕉。"
— Yuval Noah Harari
Simplified Meaning:
This quote emphasizes that promising future rewards often isn't effective when trying to persuade someone to give up something they value right now. Imagine asking a child to give you their favorite toy, telling them you'll get them an even better one next week. Most likely, they'd say no because they cherish the toy they have now and don't want to wait. In history, many people are skeptical of promises about rewards or punishments in the afterlife because they are not tangible or immediate. Similarly, when attempting to convince others to act or change their behavior, offering immediate, concrete benefits is far more persuasive than abstract promises about the future. To apply this to real life, think about trying to motivate yourself. If you want to stick to a new habit, like exercising, giving yourself small, instant rewards after each workout will likely be more effective than thinking only about long-term health benefits. Immediate gratification often drives our actions more strongly than distant, uncertain rewards.