The Balance of Nature and Humanity: Why Is Peace So Elusive?
Sait Çıkrıkçı
01.09.2024
354
Before saying "the big fish eats the small fish," let’s ask a few questions: Why do humans fight? Why can’t we live together in harmony? What truly separates us from animals?
Our planet, nestled within the Milky Way galaxy—a vast collection of stars and planets—remains, for now, the only known place where life thrives. Yet, we humans, who dominate this living space, often display behaviors that are strange and cruel. Even if some of us don’t openly admit that everything exists to serve us, we often act as if it does. This sense of entitlement seems inherent in our nature, guiding us from birth to death.
Consider a newly hatched duckling; from the moment it emerges, it instinctively knows how to swim. Its entire body is perfectly adapted to its way of life. Similarly, think about a stork. It’s as if the entire map of the world—its migration routes, winds, and settlements—is ingrained in its mind from birth, enabling it to undertake long journeys flawlessly. The same could be said for the albatross, or the salmon, or even the unique fish found in Lake Van in Turkey. These creatures are born with the knowledge and abilities they need to survive.
The lives of non-human animals follow this straightforward pattern: birth, growth, survival, aging, and death. But what about humans? We enter the world naked and vulnerable, entirely dependent on others for survival. Where do we come from? Where are we going? These questions lead to another discussion, but suffice it to say, human babies survive only through the care provided by those around them. As biological beings who are also deeply influenced by our social environment, our thoughts, and virtues are shaped by our families and surroundings, affecting the decisions we make throughout our lives—including those related to war and peace.
In a system that can be described as one of hunter and prey, the human capacity for choice and free will makes us the most dangerous beings on the planet. Yes, one could argue that this is all part of nature or divine creation. But what sets us apart is our intellect and our ability to choose.
Today, every hardship and every beauty in the world stems from the choices and will of humanity. As the poet Fuzuli said, “Oh human! Don’t blame fate too much. Did you sow wheat and reap barley?”
Sait Çıkrıkç
01.09.2024
Consider a newly hatched duckling; from the moment it emerges, it instinctively knows how to swim. Its entire body is perfectly adapted to its way of life. Similarly, think about a stork. It’s as if the entire map of the world—its migration routes, winds, and settlements—is ingrained in its mind from birth, enabling it to undertake long journeys flawlessly. The same could be said for the albatross, or the salmon, or even the unique fish found in Lake Van in Turkey. These creatures are born with the knowledge and abilities they need to survive.
The lives of non-human animals follow this straightforward pattern: birth, growth, survival, aging, and death. But what about humans? We enter the world naked and vulnerable, entirely dependent on others for survival. Where do we come from? Where are we going? These questions lead to another discussion, but suffice it to say, human babies survive only through the care provided by those around them. As biological beings who are also deeply influenced by our social environment, our thoughts, and virtues are shaped by our families and surroundings, affecting the decisions we make throughout our lives—including those related to war and peace.
In a system that can be described as one of hunter and prey, the human capacity for choice and free will makes us the most dangerous beings on the planet. Yes, one could argue that this is all part of nature or divine creation. But what sets us apart is our intellect and our ability to choose.
Today, every hardship and every beauty in the world stems from the choices and will of humanity. As the poet Fuzuli said, “Oh human! Don’t blame fate too much. Did you sow wheat and reap barley?”
Sait Çıkrıkç
01.09.2024
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