Scene 2 - "Little Creatures"
Each morning we walked the beach and noticed these communities of modern artists - little creatures carving 'sandcuts' - imprinting swirls and curlicues in the sand. Small, snail-like sand termites, no bigger than the pupil in a child's eye, shaped like tiny German tanks and by the multitudes moving like teensy backhoes, plow puny paths in intricate, designless patterns.
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"I wonder where they are going?", she asks.
"You think they're going someplace?"
"Well, they are moving. So, they must be going someplace?
"Not all life is going someplace. In fact, it appears only humans are attempting to 'go someplace'."
"Are they trying to make their way to the water?"
"They seem perfectly happy where they are. And, animals don't 'try'. They simply do. Only humans 'effort'."
"You know what I mean."
"I'm not sure I do.
"Is their intention to reach the water?"
"Ah! So you mean 'are they fulfilling their role' as opposed to 'going someplace'? It seems to me that the concept of "mission" is just that, a concept, and unique to humankind. What we need to learn is exactly what is intended for us. How do we fulfill our intention."
PAUSE
"What happens as we're walking the beach?", she queries.
"Stepping on these little creatures?"
"Yes."
"We are all trampling on something...or somebody."
"Is that the way of the world?"
"Whether intentionally or inadvertently, a life is quashed each fraction of every moment. Life is inherently merciless."
"Do you believe that the world is basically violent"?
"No. I observe it to be brutal. Violence infers the intentional infliction of pain and suffering, which also exists for sure. But, brutality exists as an unintentional consequence. Every step taken is merciless but unavoidable."
"So we are doomed?"
"I said 'unavoidable', not 'inevitable'. The fact that the simple act of taking a step can reek havoc on a smaller species of animals is unavoidable. Every living thing leaves a footprint. It is not inevitable that humans will necessarily continue to inflict unnecessary harm on the planet. We do possess this 'advanced' organ called the brain. If we utilized our brains in conjunction with a greater sense of universal scale, accountability and vulnerability, we could impede the tendency toward absurd damage, pain and suffering. If not, we exacerbate it. Right now, the world appears to be in an exacerbated state."
"That's rather pessimistic."
"Not at all. Pessimism is a judgment, an accusation often attached to those who speak of unpleasant realities. I am not predicting the future. However, we have a responsibility to draw inferences from the play of these interacting forces."
"And what would those forces be?"
"In the case of humans, the genetic requirement for survival, in collaboration with the seemingly insatiable ego."
"Like I said - PESSIMISTIC"
"We simply have to work harder at getting in the way of our own natural inclinations. That's what authenticity is: being honest with ourselves about our foibles, our weaknesses, our blind spots. All tragedy is about not being able or willing to 'see'. Until its too late. The 'tragic flaw'.
She sighs
"They are adorable, though"