Coming from a background in medical research, I am always interested in scientists who have broken the stereotypical mold and pursued their passions in the form of writing. Not statistical findings from the laboratory, which despite their importance, frankly, are intelligible to only a few other like-minded scientists; but rather, the observations nonetheless calculated, on life itself.
One such individual is Loren Eiseley (1907-1977). Eiseley was a Professor of Anthropology with strong interests in Natural Science. Also a prolific author, he has been described as a “scholar and writer of imagination and grace.” His book of poems, Notes of an Alchemist, has a special place in my personal library.
There's one particular story that I would like to share with you today which Eiseley titled "The Star Thrower." Over the years, it has been massaged and adapted, but the meaning nonetheless remains clear. It is an inspirational story of perspective with a lesson worthy for all of us to learn.
The Star Thrower
Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day as he walked along the shore, off in the distance he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day. So he began to walk faster to catch up. As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn't dancing, but instead reaching down to the sand, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean.
As he got closer, he called out, "Good morning! What are you doing?" The young man paused, looked up and replied "Throwing starfish into the sea."
"I guess I should have asked, Why are you throwing starfish into the sea?"
"The sun is up and the tide is going out. And if I don't throw them in they'll die."
"But young man, don't you realize there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. You can't possibly make a difference!"
The young man listened politely. Then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the ocean, past the breaking waves. "It made a difference for that one!"
**** ****
How often in life are we overwhelmed by the circumstances in which we find ourselves. One person in almost seven-billion on this planet; how can we possibly make a difference in anything? How can anyone, ourselves included, expect us to stand against such odds?
Yet we do. The human spirit has a resilience that strives for significance. And while most of us will not affect nations or global change, we can make a difference in the life of another individual. Just one person helped with the light of a new idea, taught a new skill, or shown a bit of compassion. Not much now, but the seeds we sow into that one individual, over time, can reap a harvest beyond our imagination.
So when you're feeling insignificant, remember that you're not. You have the capacity to make a difference, even if you cannot see the outcome in advance. Let your conscience be your guide to always do the right thing. And in the end, in helping another, we go a long way toward helping ourselves.
One such individual is Loren Eiseley (1907-1977). Eiseley was a Professor of Anthropology with strong interests in Natural Science. Also a prolific author, he has been described as a “scholar and writer of imagination and grace.” His book of poems, Notes of an Alchemist, has a special place in my personal library.
There's one particular story that I would like to share with you today which Eiseley titled "The Star Thrower." Over the years, it has been massaged and adapted, but the meaning nonetheless remains clear. It is an inspirational story of perspective with a lesson worthy for all of us to learn.
The Star Thrower
Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day as he walked along the shore, off in the distance he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day. So he began to walk faster to catch up. As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn't dancing, but instead reaching down to the sand, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean.
As he got closer, he called out, "Good morning! What are you doing?" The young man paused, looked up and replied "Throwing starfish into the sea."
"I guess I should have asked, Why are you throwing starfish into the sea?"
"The sun is up and the tide is going out. And if I don't throw them in they'll die."
"But young man, don't you realize there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. You can't possibly make a difference!"
The young man listened politely. Then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the ocean, past the breaking waves. "It made a difference for that one!"
**** ****
How often in life are we overwhelmed by the circumstances in which we find ourselves. One person in almost seven-billion on this planet; how can we possibly make a difference in anything? How can anyone, ourselves included, expect us to stand against such odds?
Yet we do. The human spirit has a resilience that strives for significance. And while most of us will not affect nations or global change, we can make a difference in the life of another individual. Just one person helped with the light of a new idea, taught a new skill, or shown a bit of compassion. Not much now, but the seeds we sow into that one individual, over time, can reap a harvest beyond our imagination.
So when you're feeling insignificant, remember that you're not. You have the capacity to make a difference, even if you cannot see the outcome in advance. Let your conscience be your guide to always do the right thing. And in the end, in helping another, we go a long way toward helping ourselves.
To know that even one life has breathed easier because you lived – that is to have succeeded.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
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