It’s been a very
long time since I climbed up a mountain (to ski down again) but I still sail
actively and usually on my own. And, yes I do my washing regularly!
So whatn have these
things got in common? Deviously, I shall tell you....
It is a matter of mountaineering etiquette that if you see someone in need
of help, you go to the aid of that person and do what you possibly can. If this
act forces you to leave your own objective unfulfilled, so be it.
Similarly at sea. It is an unwritten law that you go to the assistance of a
fellow sailer in distress and to call upon all those in the vicinity of you to
do likewise. Sadly, in many parts of the world this unwritten law is being
ignored and there have been a multitude of instances where a sailor in need of
assistance has been passed by by large vessels ignoring him or them.
It occurs to me that people who climb mountains and those of us at sea are
both passionate and, in a manner of speaking, almost spiritual people. Possibly
quite unlike the vast majority.
But perhaps the world is changing; what might have been common courtesy
several years ago is no longer observed, so maybe life and the world in general
is becoming harder and not just in an economic sense.
Has the human soul in some way become meaner, more miserable, like a piece
of clothing left in the wash for too long, becoming smaller, narrower and more
constricting?
I leave you to sort out your own answer (but mine is yes).
Until next time (and ready, willing and able to help in need),
Peripatetic Scribe
Totally agree P.S. - the world is becoming a messy place in terms of human behaviour(s) and I can see no real solution. Perhaps channelling our views on to the next generation may make a difference - I hope so.
ReplyDeleteMark NZ
Your idea of "humanity" as being in the wash too long is brilliant - I also agree with your views and also with Mark in NZ - it's the next generation that it SO important to the world, not us old ones! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHans, Bremen
Thanks Mark. I remember also you are a sailing man so you fully understand the message(s) I am trying to get across. Thanks for your comment.
ReplyDeleteHans, thank you. I think putting an important (to me) message under a quite unusual headline often brings home the points I am trying to make. You say this one is good and I thank you for your comment - hoping the message doesn't get lost!
ReplyDeleteI fully agree with you, P.S. Nowadays, sadly, everyone is just running after their own petty goals, completely indifferent to others. A piece of clothing left in the wash for too long describes it perfectly. Hopefully, there still are people like you who will try to remind the "comfortably numb" ones of what really matters. Thank you, Lucana
ReplyDeleteHi Lucana - indifference is probably the second greatest sin of mankind (after greed), and I agree totally with your thoughts. Thanks.
ReplyDelete