Yes – survival of the fittest, the pecking order, natural selection – all of that.
In the bird/animal kingdom this is quite straightforward and even makes its own sense, but in the human kingdom it’s not quite so easy.
Husband, Son and I had an interesting conversation the other night about whether our birds and other animals had feelings, memories, consciences and, despite a vigorous to-and-fro debate, we didn’t come to any conclusions.
This frustrated Son who likes to have answers; it amused Husband who thinks Son and I are a bit odd; but, for me, this inconclusiveness is a gift of mystery and, once I got used to it (years ago), I became enthralled with all of those unanswerable questions about suffering, about unfairness, about why and why and why….
Neverthless I keep wanting to intervene in that life and death cycle; I keep wanting to insinuate myself into that in-betweenness, to save us in the same way I might have saved our first Zaruma.
Strange post I guess – sorry; I am between a 17 year old who wants to embrace life and a 75 year old who is faltering. To be inside this situation is a bit unbearable, but luckily I can do that ‘stand back’ thing, so I know it is all going to be all right.
jmgoyder 
On the bottom of this year’s Christmas letter, that I’m just sending out, I quoted: “A sense of the mysterious is one of the most beautiful and deepest exeriences a man can have.” Einstein.
M.L.
What a great coincidence!
What a great quote you posted, meglane.
Nice reading your blog too, JUle 🙂
Thank you.
I love conversations with my 16 and 18 year old grandsons. They’re still sorting everything out, and they’re not afraid to question or challenge anything I say–in a healthy way. Keeps me from getting set in my ways or accepting anything “just because.” It takes energy to keep up with them, though, and sometimes it wears me out. Your son’s a thinker. That’s great!
I agree and your grandsons sound wonderful!
Your existential cogitations are very thoughtful and poignant. The idea of ‘fairness’ or ‘unfairness’ always intrigues me as it presupposes that someone or something is in control of everything that happens and makes deliberate choices about what occurs. As life appears largely ‘unfair’ in so many instances for various people I can’t fathom any entity designing events so poorly or cruelly. Humans can act in fair and unfair ways, and I have always had a strong distaste for unfair acts or decisions. I’m sure other animals have the capacity to think, and wouldn’t it be fascinating to know their thoughts…
I think that maybe they (the other animals) think that we think too much!
That must have been a fun conversation 🙂
Mmmmm!