This is a fascinating piece on Raccoons in Urban areas. It speaks directly to evolution, the adaptation to different experiences, which I think we can attribute to ourselves. The most fascinating fact is that although baby raccoons, and animals in general, are so cute to watch play, their play is fundamental for testing out their ability before they venture into the world on their own. This is where they learn what works and what doesn't work. Which further suggests once they have established these skills, play becomes unnecessary.
Urban Raccoon by Barry Buhr Which made me wonder. Is this why our brains and beliefs loose their elasticity? Could this explain why conservative people insist on chronic repetition, and see deviation from this repetition, their beliefs, as a threat to their way of life? Does having a family typically increase this desire for repetition? Is this why people who live in urban areas seem to have a more expansive and accepting view of human differences?
It also suggests that the only way we can access that wonderment and intrigue we had when we were first experiencing the world, is by putting ourselves in new situations where we have no frame of reference and can accesses that dormant part of ourselves. Could this explain the mid-life crisis? Could it also explain why it often takes a life changing event for those who are firmly rooted in their perspectives to suddenly see everything differently? I love this segment and the enormous amount of questions that arise from watching these furry little creatures hobble around.
Unfortunately I can't embed the video on this post. So just click on the link below.
Enjoy and I would love to know what you think!
http://video.pbs.org/video/2192070266
No comments:
Post a Comment