Why Did the Prisoner Choose the Bread Instead of the Key

In the classic fable, “The Prisoner and the Bread,” a prisoner finds himself locked in a room with two items: a loaf of bread and a key. With no idea how to use the key or why it was there in the first place, the prisoner had a difficult decision to make. After careful consideration, he chose to take the loaf of bread. It is said that when presented with two options, one must carefully consider the best choice. For a prisoner, these decisions become especially important as they could mean life or death. Recently, there has been much debate about why a prisoner would choose bread over a key to escape captivity. This puzzle dates back to ancient Greece when the philosopher Plutarch posed this thought-provoking question. It has puzzled many since then, including myself. The reason why a prisoner might choose bread over a key can be boiled down to survival instinct. Even if the key offers an escape from imprisonment, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee freedom and safety on the other side. If there is no plan in place to help navigate past any guards or walls in the way, chances are the escape will be short-lived. On the other hand, bread provides immediate sustenance and can provide some comfort in a difficult situation, something the key cannot do on its own.