Mankind - Are We Turning Into Rodents?
The Pika (Ochotona princeps) shown above is a small rodent-like mammal who lives in the colder climates of higher elevations throughout North America and Canada. Like mankind today, the Pika lives a relatively solitary life. Although the Pika lives in small communities, much of their time is spent alone. Eating and putting away enough food for himself is the Pika's primary concern.
During a quick stop at the post office today, I saw once again, the destructive nature of our human species. There we were, six people waiting in line and for five solid minutes, not a greeting or word was exchanged between us. So, I spoke, calling attention to the silence. I think I sad something mundane like "Everyone sure is quiet."
The other five exploded in what resulted in a delightful conversation among strangers. We talked of how our world has changed, how everyone was more interested in themselves than the person standing next to them. Another suggested that texting has taken the place of verbal conversation and yet another commented that we don't even look up from our cell phones to greet one another anymore. We all agreed that the world had become a very sad place and that we had become - a hollow, selfish society.
The Choices We Make
- H.O.W. - The Judgement
Do you know me? I mean, really know me? Have you stood in my shoes? Walked a mile in my boots? First impressions are often wrong and hurtful. How can we stop the judgment? - Shell-Shocked By Society: What Have We Become?
When did it become cool to enjoy the suffering of others? When did anger and cruelty become entertainment?
We are the "human" race, aren't we?
Driving home, I couldn't shake the feeling that something wonderful had taken place in that little post office. Six people, all caught up in their own thoughts, reached out to each other, shared a smile and a common concern, and for those few moments in time, we were one kind - mankind. The energy in that post office was changed. It was palpable and obvious that each of us had been lifted in spirit due to our shared encounter. We were a representative mix of society, young and old, black, white, and Asian but for a moment, we were one race - the human race.
As I reveled in the new energy I had experienced as a result of the shared experience. The sun seemed to shine a little brighter and my view of the world, felt a little less jaded. That's when it it hit me like a wet fish in the face.
We have taken the "kind" out of "mankind" and what we are left with is a society of solitary "man". Do the math.
Mankind - kind = man
The Power To Change Where We Are Headed Is Ours
So I wonder, how do we change it? What will it take for us to realize we are more than solitary rodents; that we were created to be a civil society. Could a simple greeting among strangers be a place to start?
There have been days in the past when we needed each other, and the day will come when we will need each other again. Will there be anyone there? When the lights go out and cell phone service dies, will anyone reach out a hand in solidarity or friendship to help us? Or, will we let our years of ignorance and solitude be our demise?
The danger of the past was that men became slaves. The danger of the future is that man may become robots. - Erich Fromm
Will we become like the Pika who spends his days alone, hoarding, and running from predators?
