The Money Tree Experiment

I came across a reality show that studied people’s public behavior.  In this experiment, a money tree with $1 dollar bills clipped on the leaves was situated on a public street corner with a signed saying ‘ART’ to see what would happen.  The experimenters then hid inside a van across the street with a camera rolling to capture reactions.

The experiment was now underway. People passed buy the tree occasionally glancing at it but not stopping.  Some stopped, read the sign and then moved on. It seemed as though people were going to leave the tree alone.

Then, all of a sudden, a young lady stops and becomes very interested in the tree.  She began to solicit looks from others passing by as if to say, "Do you see this?"  She then timidly plucks a dollar bill.  As she held the dollar in her hand, people passing by took a more serious interest in the tree.   The young lady plucked yet another dollar as more people gathered around the tree.  Then, as if reaching critical mass, all those surrounding the tree began to feverishly pluck the dollars.  Within minutes the tree was almost picked clean.

...the art world was shocked!

Finally, a tall man who was passing by began telling the people taking the money that it was wrong.  But it was too late, the tree stood bare as the art world was shocked! 

The experimenters then jumped out of the van, ran across the street where the tree stood and asked the lady who had plucked the first bill why she did it.  Her answer was incoherent but it added up to,"Hey, it was there!  Why not?!"

“Resist the herd mentality"

This experiment made me reflect on how people can be influenced by the actions of others to do things they normally wouldn't dream of doing.  The people plucking the dollars had to know it was wrong, yet they did it because others were doing it.  I began to ask myself if our ethics are so weak, our morality so fragile that it could be bought for a few dollar bills?  The plucking mass had to know at some level that they were selling their 'ethical soul' for a few dollars!

Studies have shown that it’s easy to get sucked into doing things when you see others doing.  Somehow it feels okay when others are doing it even though it's wrong.  The experiment revealed yet again the ugly side of people's ability to rationalize their errant behavior.

It also taught me that it takes courage to stand up for what you believe and stick to principles of fairness and decency when others aren't.   Like the tall man, it took courage to not only resist the herd mentality but to also raise his voice in defiance and say, “Stop!  This isn’t right.”  

Silence is acquiescence.

Too often we stay silent knowing what others are doing is wrong.    We rationalize it by telling ourselves that, "It's none of our business."  or  "It's not my place to say anything."  But in the end, saying nothing and allowing it to happen makes you just as guilty as those plucking the dollars.

Victor Antonio

Excerpt from my upcoming book, "In5spired - Five Minutes to Impact"