Love you, Mary, but sorry you don't need to eat a fish to survive so..." pain and pain and more pain" in this case just doesn't hook me, pardon the pun. We do what we do to animals because our souls are very narrow when it comes to extending empathy to all who feel pain, sad as that is. And sadder still that you did not realize this as you watched the fish lying there in your bucket gasping and dying.
@Preokthe5 - Excuse me, but what did you really intend with your little snide sentence? By "We" I'm talking of the majority of humanity who thinks nothing of causing other animals to suffer - I do not belong to that majority - sounds like you do, so yes, you're right you and I do not have that in common, for which I am grateful.
@nheskimo I say one sentence and you come up with that insight? Thats ignorance. Plus you said We which includes you meaning you are a part of that group?
@nheskimo All that is needed from you is a little clarification, in plain, non-attacking language. You did, after all, say "We" & then say you do not belong to that majority. So Preokthe5 read your "we have narrow souls" literally & took care to say he or she was an exception to your statement that "we" have narrow souls. You do seem a smidge defensive.
"We" is often used to refer to humanity in general terms. Of course, there are exceptions to every generalization. If I had stated that I am an exception when it comes to how humans regard animals that would have sounded self-righteous. It doesn't change the fact that "we" can still be understood to mean humans in general, not specific individuals. And yes I get defensive when someone who I don't know says "don't group me with you." Sounds a tad bratty, no?
very true and humble
RAGSTAluvsDA90z 3 months ago
Comment removed
Preokthe5 1 year ago
Does anyone else think this amazing poet, Mary Oliver, resembles John Denver? Really. What a happy coincidence.
cyndish1 1 year ago
@cyndish1 yeah, she kind of does! they could be siblings definitely.
love her work and love, love, LOVE john denver.
wassup9 1 year ago
Coleman Barks was very funny.
chopin65 1 year ago
The interview of Coleman Barks is the best non-interview I ever heard....so funny so true - Mary Oliver is top in communicating ..all is said already
khi590 1 year ago
Love you, Mary, but sorry you don't need to eat a fish to survive so..." pain and pain and more pain" in this case just doesn't hook me, pardon the pun. We do what we do to animals because our souls are very narrow when it comes to extending empathy to all who feel pain, sad as that is. And sadder still that you did not realize this as you watched the fish lying there in your bucket gasping and dying.
nheskimo 1 year ago
@nheskimo Don't say We, don't put me in the same group as you.
Preokthe5 1 year ago
@Preokthe5 - Excuse me, but what did you really intend with your little snide sentence? By "We" I'm talking of the majority of humanity who thinks nothing of causing other animals to suffer - I do not belong to that majority - sounds like you do, so yes, you're right you and I do not have that in common, for which I am grateful.
nheskimo 1 year ago
@nheskimo I say one sentence and you come up with that insight? Thats ignorance. Plus you said We which includes you meaning you are a part of that group?
Preokthe5 1 year ago
@nheskimo All that is needed from you is a little clarification, in plain, non-attacking language. You did, after all, say "We" & then say you do not belong to that majority. So Preokthe5 read your "we have narrow souls" literally & took care to say he or she was an exception to your statement that "we" have narrow souls. You do seem a smidge defensive.
cyndish1 11 months ago
"We" is often used to refer to humanity in general terms. Of course, there are exceptions to every generalization. If I had stated that I am an exception when it comes to how humans regard animals that would have sounded self-righteous. It doesn't change the fact that "we" can still be understood to mean humans in general, not specific individuals. And yes I get defensive when someone who I don't know says "don't group me with you." Sounds a tad bratty, no?
nheskimo 11 months ago