Take the bird, for example. Many times, after a trying day in meetings, deliberations, negotiations, and other government functions, I have found myself wishing to have a life where I too was as carefree as a bird.
But are they really that unencumbered and untroubled?
Careful observation of the seabirds on the beaches of the Cape tells a different story. In reality, it’s a hard existence. Much, if not most, of their day is spent scavenging for food. Or contending with other creatures for the best spot on the beach.
Generally, there’s always some other bigger, badder bird… higher on the pecking order… who comes along to chase you away, and steal your spot on the rocks.
How is that any different from our human society? Well, I regret to inform you, it’s not that different at all. There are bigger birds in all walks of life… we call them bullies, in our world of people. And unfortunately, these bullies can sometimes make our lives miserable, especially when they somehow manage to attain power and control over the rest of us.
What do we do, in that case? Quite often, we fight back. But does that get us anywhere, except more bloodshed, and conflicts that go on forever?
What could the birds teach us about this? Well, you know, the birds are older than any of us. I’m told they date back to the times of the dinosaurs. So maybe there’s some wisdom in that. If they can outlast all their troubles, and even survive the bullies of the bird world, maybe there’s some hope for us, too.
Your humble servant,
B.Franklin