Thursday, March 16, 2006

"The red wolf is gone"

So over at Mystic's, there has been a lively conversation about the movie Grizzly Man. In the interest of giving an informed decision, I watched it this a.m. If you would like to join that discussion or give your opinion on Timothy Treadwell, head on over.

But during the movie, Werner Herzog, the director and narrator, makes a comment which is particularly interesting to me. I wanted to share it and find out what other people think. He says, "Here I differ from Treadwell. He seemed to ignore the fact that in nature there are predators. I believe that the common denominator of the universe is not harmony but chaos, hostility, and murder."

To me this speaks to the idea of a constant battle between "good" and "evil." It feels almost too simplistic to understand what this thing we call life is. But I welcome other people's views.

My day today has been one of rest and relaxation. This was the day I should have had on Sunday, but it's actually quite a boon to have it now. It made my week at my dialysis job blessedly short. I only have 8 days at that job before I'm off for 2 weeks. I can't tell you what a relief that is.

I had a trip related dream last night. I dreamt that I was packing and packing and it was getting closer and closer to the time I had to go. Then the next thing I knew, I was running late for my plane and I didn't have everything ready. I suppose that part of that might have been explained by the fact that I had to go to Ellis Island to get my visa for Britain (aren't dreams wacky!).

Ka asked if I would be blogging when I'm over there. I plan to as often as I get the chance.

5 comments:

Aravis said...

Funny, I wrote of a dream I had last night involving flight as well. You must be so excited! :0)

swisslet said...

I agree with you spins.... it's far to simplistic a view either way. I actually think that to suggest that the universe is all about "chaos, hostility and murder" is bollocks. One of the most amazing things about nature is the harmony and balance that all these creatures live in (usually until we come along and f*ck it all up).

I was watching the new BBC nature documentary the other day - "Planet Earth" - and as well as some amazing footage of a snow leopard hunting in the himalayas, there was some great footage taken from the shattered ridges of the rockies in north america. You'd think this would be almost totally desolate, but it was covered with male grizzlies turning over rocks. What on earth were these normally solitary creatures doing up there when they should have been making the most of the plenty further down the mountain to make sure they get their calories in before winter? WHat were they doing? Apparently the heat drives millions of moths up the mountain and under the stones, and these bears were hunting for them. How can a moth sustain a bear? Apparently because they are so fatty and rich in nutrients and because there are so many of them.

Amazing, huh?

chaos, hostility and murder? My arse (although, perhaps if you asked a moth, you'd get a different answer).

Respect too for the Giant Panda - stuck out in the hostile winter of China because the only food they will eat is not nutritious enough for them to hibernate - they're forced to endure extremes of cold. As if that wasn't bad enough, they also display a distinct aversion to breeding and when they do breed, their milk is so thin because of the lack of nutrients in bamboo that both mother and cub are at risk for months. It's quite common for a mother to reject her cub. Haven't these ridiculous animals heard of Darwinism? Or is it all a dignified protest against the chaos of the universe?

ST

Hyde said...

I pretty much agree with the statement too, but I don't think predators are necessarily evil. Chaos, hostility and murder are part of the order of things and therefore make the harmony. "Harmony" is the complicated concept in my opinion.

Sarah663 said...

i always have dreams that I am supposed to be leaving on a trip and am not ready, just rushing around. what does that symbolize? a disorganized life?

Ethel said...

When I'm getting ready for a trip, I tend to dream that I'm at the airport without my luggage. I guess it's like the showing up naked for a test dream. Without the nakedness. Although, if you showed up at the airport naked, you'd probably get through security more quickly.