Utility

This story posted at Whiskey River is an interesting parable with some markings of traditional Eastern tradition, but it brings to mind an even more fundamental question about our culture’s concept of utility.

A tree is considered useful if it has qualities that are desirable for people (such as food or building material). If we removed every useless tree, however, we would find ourselves in a lot of trouble. The “save the whales” campaign drew criticism because many people did not see an inherent benefit that whales brought to humanity (or to civilization). The biosphere is intricately connected in ways that we are continually discovering, however; and just as introduced species fail due to oversight, our designation of uselessness is really just an indication of our ignorance.

Remember the Clue (24) – Savages

The concept of savagery is no longer fashionable; but it is impossible to escape our primal nature, which we encounter continually every day.