This story takes place in a child’s room. The room was filled with toys—some displayed on shelves, others tucked away in drawers, and still more piled in the corner. The most conspicuous spot was atop the dresser, where a little clay pig stood. It had a small opening on its back for slipping coins inside. Later, someone used a knife to widen the opening slightly, so even larger coins could fit through.
The piggy bank was now quite heavy, filled with small copper coins and even a couple of silver pieces. It was so heavy it wouldn’t wobble when shaken, not a sound came from it. It felt quite important, thinking it could buy every toy in the room with its money. Standing high up, it looked down on the other toys, acting as if it were more important than anyone else.
The other toys said nothing, but they all understood: this one thought having money made it superior to everyone else.
The Toys’ Nighttime Game
One night, when no one was in the room, the moonlight streamed in, brightening the space. An old little doll peeked out from a drawer and said, “Shall we play ‘Let’s Pretend to Be Grown-Ups’? We’ve nothing else to do, and it’d be so much fun.””
At these words, the entire room seemed to come alive. The painting on the wall turned its head, as if nodding in agreement. Even the usually motionless grandfather clock chimed a few times, like casting a vote.
They decided to host a party. First, they’d put on a little play, then have tea, and finally play some brain-teasing games together. Every toy was invited—even the wobbly walker made an appearance.
The walker said, “Everyone has their own strengths. Not every toy can be the star; someone has to help behind the scenes, right?”
Only Money Pig received a paper invitation—because everyone felt his status was too high to just call him over casually. But he never replied and didn’t show up.Truthfully, he didn’t want to move, believing others should come perform at his house instead. So they actually set up a small stage where he could see everything, letting him watch from his elevated perch.
The Party Begins
The stage was small but carefully decorated. The first act was a play. Each toy showcased its own talent:
- The rocking horse talked about training and competitions, proud of its speed;
- The baby walker talked about trains and steam engines, having seen real ones;
- The grandfather clock ticked away while discussing national affairs, unconcerned by claims it ran inaccurately;
- A bamboo walking stick stood perfectly straight, boasting of its silver tip and brass rings;
- Two floral sofa cushions only spoke flattery, knowing nothing of substance.
When it was time to perform, everyone gave their all. Each character turned their best side outward, afraid others might see the holes or stitches on their backs. A little doll, mended once before, got too excited and jumped too hard, causing the stitched fabric to come undone.
The piggy bank watched with great interest, thinking to itself: “These folks put on a good show. I must remember them.When I’m gone someday, I’ll write in my ‘will’ that one of them should be buried with me.“ Just listen to this—a piggy bank thinking about death and wanting company.
Everyone had planned to drink tea and play games after the show, but they got so caught up they forgot about tea and jumped straight into ”Who’s Most Human.”It was basically everyone mimicking how adults talk and act.
They weren’t actually trying to be human—they just thought it was fun. Each toy was only concerned with itself, trying to guess what the others were thinking, especially the Money Pig. And the Money Pig? He thought the most and the farthest—while everyone else was playing, he was already wondering when he’d break, when he’d be thrown away.
The Money Pig Crashes and Burns
Just then—smash!
Money Pig fell off the cabinet, crashing to the floor and shattering into several pieces.
All the coins inside bounced out. The small ones jingled and skipped, while the larger ones rolled with a rumbling sound. The biggest silver coin rolled the farthest, all the way to the door, as if it truly wanted to go out and see the world.
The other coins scattered everywhere—some slipped into carpet crevices, others rolled under the bed. And the piggy bank itself? Just a pile of clay shards, swept into the trash can.
The next morning, the owner noticed the piggy bank was gone and bought a new clay pig to replace it, placing it on the cabinet. This new piggy bank was hollow inside, making no sound when shaken. It was as ordinary as any other toy, nothing special.
But this wasn’t the end—it was a new beginning.
The Truth Behind the Story
On the surface, this story tells of toys’ nighttime adventures, but it actually speaks to a human mindset: feeling superior and looking down on others simply because you have money.Because the money pig had coins inside, it believed itself superior to other toys, always looking down on them. It didn’t understand that its value didn’t come from itself, but from the money others placed inside its belly.
The moment it shattered, the money spilled out, and it became nothing. The new money pig, though identical in appearance, was empty inside. Without coins, it was finally equal to the other toys.
This mirrors real life: some people grow arrogant and look down on others the moment they gain a little money or power. Yet once they lose these things, they cease to be special.
Moreover, while the toys in the story also vie for status and compare themselves to each other, they at least still choose to play together and laugh together. Only the Money Pig kept itself isolated, ending up alone and shattered on the ground.
What Lesson Does This Story Teach Us?
- Don’t think you’re better than others just because you have a little something. Money Pig had money, but it was merely a container—its true value wasn’t in itself. The same goes for people: having money or status doesn’t make you nobler than others.
- True joy comes from sharing with others. The other toys were ordinary, but they were willing to put on plays together, play together, and live happily. Money Pig only thought of itself and ended up with no friends.
- External things fade, but relationships and experiences are real. Money Pig shattered, its coins taken—nothing remained. Yet the moments of acting and laughter together were what the toys truly possessed.
- Everyone has their place; you don’t need to stand at the very top.The new Money Pig may have no voice or status, but it has a chance to start anew. Perhaps it will learn humility and how to be friends with everyone.
So this story isn’t about how a piggy bank broke. It’s a reminder:
Don’t let “I have” become “I’m better than you.” Instead, let “I am” become “We are together.”
