I found this quote the other day …
”The great fault of all ethics hitherto has been that they believed themselves to have to deal only with the relations of man to man. In reality, however, the question is, what is his attitude to the world and all life that comes within his reach. A man is ethical only when life, as such, is sacred to him, that of plants and animals as that of his fellow men, and when he devotes himself helpfully to all life that is in need of help.” -Albert Schweitizer
I am more than confident that Mr. Schweitizer’s profound statement regarding man’s ethical behavior spoke directly to current dilemmas and global issues in the scientific community and the world of his day, and not my backyard. However, the spirit of his message remains true today, it continues to speak with great clarity to the needs of our planet, and our vanishing natural resources… just think…regard wildlife and their natural environment with the same fair, decent, principled behavior as you would the folks who live next door (wow, don’t disrespect their home and property)…what a concept… and help them when they are in need…outstanding, sounds a bit like don’t look the other way to me.
I have probably read this quote a hundred times since I first found it. At each reading I discover a new twist. At this writing, it’s not saying that we are responsible to save the entire planet on our own, it is simply offering up a challenge to help “those within our reach”, treat the wild things whose world we have taken over with the same respect, compassion and kindness as we would our human counterparts.
Thank God, there are many courageous individuals who practice such ethical behavior and work fearlessly to protect our wildlife and restore the environment. The reality is that each of us in our own way, in our own space, has the ability to make a positive impact…you know, it’s often called the right stuff. For those who do not care or continue to destroy…the shame is yours. I am stepping down now, from the soapbox, that is, but, only for a short while.
Now, with all that said…the weather here has turned cold very quickly this year, much colder than normal, and as I watch the seed and nuts disappear daily, I am reminded that it was I, who encouraged these creatures to share our habitat. By allowing them to come and go freely without fear, they have identified a safe haven, and in whatever wild way they are able, have given their trust in return. Without reservation…or exception, it is my responsibility to respect the bond that now exists, and do nothing to betray them. I was the one who offered food, water, shelter and safety from human harm. They did not ask, I invited them. I truly believe that somewhere deep within our being exists “our wildself”, the self that soars with eagles, or runs like the wind with wild horses. When we allow ourselves to live in harmony with nature, we are ensuring that our own spirit “live free”. Winter is coming, take care of those trusting ones that dare give you a glimpse into their world, provide for their needs, celebrate their visits, and let your “wild self” ride moonbeams to the stars.
I love this blog, my own personal soapbox venue, always available, ready to go at a moments notice, and for all intent and purpose, a platform for whatever strikes my fancy at the moment. Sometimes funny…sometimes serious…and then, other times, even worthwhile.
”The great fault of all ethics hitherto has been that they believed themselves to have to deal only with the relations of man to man. In reality, however, the question is, what is his attitude to the world and all life that comes within his reach. A man is ethical only when life, as such, is sacred to him, that of plants and animals as that of his fellow men, and when he devotes himself helpfully to all life that is in need of help.” -Albert Schweitizer
I am more than confident that Mr. Schweitizer’s profound statement regarding man’s ethical behavior spoke directly to current dilemmas and global issues in the scientific community and the world of his day, and not my backyard. However, the spirit of his message remains true today, it continues to speak with great clarity to the needs of our planet, and our vanishing natural resources… just think…regard wildlife and their natural environment with the same fair, decent, principled behavior as you would the folks who live next door (wow, don’t disrespect their home and property)…what a concept… and help them when they are in need…outstanding, sounds a bit like don’t look the other way to me.
I have probably read this quote a hundred times since I first found it. At each reading I discover a new twist. At this writing, it’s not saying that we are responsible to save the entire planet on our own, it is simply offering up a challenge to help “those within our reach”, treat the wild things whose world we have taken over with the same respect, compassion and kindness as we would our human counterparts.
Thank God, there are many courageous individuals who practice such ethical behavior and work fearlessly to protect our wildlife and restore the environment. The reality is that each of us in our own way, in our own space, has the ability to make a positive impact…you know, it’s often called the right stuff. For those who do not care or continue to destroy…the shame is yours. I am stepping down now, from the soapbox, that is, but, only for a short while.
Now, with all that said…the weather here has turned cold very quickly this year, much colder than normal, and as I watch the seed and nuts disappear daily, I am reminded that it was I, who encouraged these creatures to share our habitat. By allowing them to come and go freely without fear, they have identified a safe haven, and in whatever wild way they are able, have given their trust in return. Without reservation…or exception, it is my responsibility to respect the bond that now exists, and do nothing to betray them. I was the one who offered food, water, shelter and safety from human harm. They did not ask, I invited them. I truly believe that somewhere deep within our being exists “our wildself”, the self that soars with eagles, or runs like the wind with wild horses. When we allow ourselves to live in harmony with nature, we are ensuring that our own spirit “live free”. Winter is coming, take care of those trusting ones that dare give you a glimpse into their world, provide for their needs, celebrate their visits, and let your “wild self” ride moonbeams to the stars.
I love this blog, my own personal soapbox venue, always available, ready to go at a moments notice, and for all intent and purpose, a platform for whatever strikes my fancy at the moment. Sometimes funny…sometimes serious…and then, other times, even worthwhile.
For within my reach, I am responsible. Regards, Sandy
4 comments:
I enjoyed looking through your new blog, the great pictures and thougtfull observations. Thanks for sharing.
troutbirder
cute!
great shots on this blog!
Hi Sandy. Yes it is ironic that the day you are making this blog post, I was making mine. The city of Houston seems to be taking this very seriously. It was even on the front page of the Houston Chronicle. I hope it opens alot of people's eyes to our responsibility to animals. I also hope that people see it as an example to keep wild animals wild and not try to get them to tame or trusting to humans. That is just a set up for disaster. But even so, Mr. Buck was an injured animal on a sanctuary.
Tracy (badstormy)
Hi Sandy,
I am so glad that I found this blog! I looked for you on BHG and did not see you! I found this link on a signature comment that you left. Your words are an inspiration to me! Thank-you for continuing to write!
Joan
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