It was a cold, silent night. The weather was cold. A group of monkeys was in a tree. They clung to their branches. One of the monkeys said, "I wish we could find a fire. It will help us to warm up."
Suddenly, they noticed a flock of fireflies. One of the young monkeys thought it was fire. He caught a firefly. He put it under a dry sheet and started blowing. Other monkeys have also joined in their efforts.
Meanwhile, a sparrow flew to the nest, which was on the same tree where the monkeys were sitting. She realized what they were doing. The sparrow laughs. She said, "Hey, silly monkeys, it's a firefly, not a real fire. I think everyone should be in a cave."
The monkeys did not hear the sparrow. They continued to blow on the poor firefly.
After a while, the monkeys got very tired. Now they realized that what the sparrow had said was correct. They released the firefly and settled in a nearby cave.
I get the sense of the short story is telling me that wisdom only returns to the monkeys after they've exhausted their foolishness....am I getting that right?