No man is an island. entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.
I have started reading For Whom the Bell Tolls by Hemingway. It starts with this musing by John Doone. I love this one and enjoyed being reminded of it. We live in a world where in many ways we have become desensitised to death. Every night we hear of more deaths in Iraq, we see the people starving in Zimbabwe, San Bernardino has the highest murder rate in the state. If only we could look at it more like Doone did, that every person matters, that every person has something to contribute - if we give them a chance.
Serena
12 comments:
I've always liked that quote myself.
For some reason, when it comes to nature, I (Jeni) don't feel as sorrowful toward death. I could see it sounding as though I were numb to it, but when it results from natural disasters, it's much easier for me to grasp. Having an understanding of the patterns the earth follows, these things are fairly easy to forsee, and I think it's possible for people to take care of themselves. Maybe I'm just scientifically inclined. I have also observed that in times of disaster and hopelessness, people tend to be more compassionate toward each other, so I have hope. I realize this is perhaps a western state of mind, so I'm willing to eat my words.
The value of people's lives means something to me however, and I understand what you're saying. It shouldn't come to something bad happening for us to care for each other. The quote you shared is beautiful.
I also wonder how people responsible (directly or indirectly) for many deaths are able to carry on seemingly unaffected by their actions. I'm disturbed by the history and continual hostile behaviors of people with twisted motives. I doubt but hope to see an end to it.
Jeni,
I think I understnad what you are saying. I just think there is so much random killing in our television, movies and sadly in our society - drive by shootings, these maniacs who go into the schools etc. Death is a part of our life cycle, I see and appreciate that, it is when life is cut short without seemingly any purpose.
I agree - what goes wrong inside someone's mind to justify ending someone else's life? I find the same frustration with regard to other living creatures (animals, insects, plants). I often run into this conflict - things make sense to some and then not to others.
Yes, what can seem so obvious to some is not to another. It is frustrating. It is rather like global warming - how can a person look at the world and what is happening to our climate and still insist it does not exist?
We are doing our part to improve the world by composting! This is my new thing - reading up on what can go in there and what can't. Instead of adding to the land fill we are creating rich soil to add to our veggie garden next spring. How exciting. There is a huge lizard who lives in our compost. Whenever I hose it down (have to keep it damp) It slithers out, so I guess I am creating a home for a lizard at the same time.
August 29, 2007
Less Than Half of all Published Scientists Endorse Global Warming Theory
http://forums.canadiancontent.net/science-environment/66773-50-all-published-scientists-endorse-global-warming-theory.html
Regarding the Global Warming issue, It's hard for me to know what to believe. I've heard some pretty convincing arguments to support either view.
In addition to expert opinion, I've learned enough substantial earth science information to support the idea that global climate change is inevitible and a natural part of earth's dynamic environment. Some refer to volcanism to explain large amounts of carbon dioxide emission. The earth's core itself is a burning mass of heat, and it's plates are constantly shifting and venting hot air and gasses. I've heard that vehicle emissions aren't enough to substantially change temperatures.
I am, however, concerned with the pollution, and other health problems that result from breathing in exhaust, coal emissions, and other forms of energy-generation. That in itself is enough to cause people to moderate their habits.
What's frustrating about this whole thing to me is that when I can see a great hypothesis, and then another that contradicts it, I feel like I just have to either accept not-knowing, or I'll have to just test things out for myself.
Well, I hate to admit it but you are all a little over my head. I'm not even sure I understand the quote from the book. Happy debating though. Serena, would love to see some pictures of your vegetation/flowers, I'm sure they've grown.
Heavy stuff - I think I have never understood the quote until now. I've not read the book. But I have to say I agree - we are all connected and it is important to note. Every man for himself seems to be the reality though. Glad WE know better among our family! Love you guys!
As far as global warming. The way I see it we are supposed to be stewards of this earth and that means taking care of it, so weather or not we know the cause of global warming, we can still do all we can to keep the air, water and earth clean - even if that means some large companies are going to lose some money.
Agreed. Nice thought-provoking post!
Franz,
The "Global Warming" debate has nothing to do with pollution, Except as it relates to CO2 & other specific green house gases.
My understanding is that things like the Kyoto accord address greenhouse gases only NOT general pollution to the air, water & land.
We also have a compost bin, good on ya, while it is a responsible and good thing to do, it does not reduce green house gases. Except for the gas burned by the trash truck that would have hauled it off for you, but I'm sure the trash truck is still stopping at your house for the other trash so the savings is very small.
But your flowers will love you for it next year.
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