On a mission
Birds and survival
Perspective, or cognitive bias as a fancy term, is what makes the world go round. You may love raisins while I still have not recovered from ‘overdosing’ on them when I managed to get into the pantry as a four year old. I cannot abide them. I learned, cognitively, they can be consumed in far too big a portion in one sitting. So, you are welcome to my share.
We rely on perspective to get through our lives. It helps us decide whether we want to drive more rapidly than speed limits, read books on topics that don’t appeal to our interests, or vote for someone whose objectives undermine our interests.
We factor in perspective as we decide in life. It is a higher function humans have.
Birds and many other creatures big and small apparently lack that higher function of perspective. Yet they do amazing things. They still get to where they need to go even if it appears they do so randomly.
No maps, no digital global positioning systems, not instructions yet they definitely have an internal guidance mechanism.
They are also most often on a mission. Food and water seem at the top of their lists along with avoiding predators. Put otherwise, they have exquisite survival instincts.
We have a gazillion more things we worry about, of course. Yet how many of them are really all that vital? I mean REALLY? As I age, I have come to respect birds and their relatively ruthless ability to prioritize far more than ever.
Your survival mission this weekend likely includes getting some rest and relaxation as we begin thinking about the needs of winter. We ease into it with the seductive joy of autumn in the northern hemisphere but winter does require different skills and perspectives (it will also offer relief from the heat this year, we hope). I don’t know that most birds worry about that but I suppose in some ways they do.
I am convinced, after consideration, they may well have the better deal. Birds can focus on what is needed more effectively than most of us.
Is there some perspective shift that we ought ponder as a result?
Enjoy the remainder of the weekend. Thank you for reading Actions Create Consequences. Thank those of you who subscribe! Please feel free to circulate or restock this if it appeals to you.
Be well.FIN