Today I had quite the experience. I was walking along the beach and I saw a massive amount of coral that was just strewn about. It was quite an amazing and hurtful sight. I could hardly believe that there was so much life there at one time and that it was now no more than a collection of neat looking stones. Some of the coral even had some of its color left. I was distraught when I saw all of this and it really made me realize just how much damage mankind has been doing to the whole of nature. I think back to the old days when humans were part of nature instead of the masters of nature’s domain. I think it is amazing that in such a relatively short period of time we have managed to destroy nature and many of its natural wonders. I think it is a travesty.

As I walked along the beach I started seeing lots of neat looking shells on the beach. I found a perfect mini caracoal and I decided to take it with me. However, before I pocketed the shell I looked around and inside of it to make sure that nobody was still living in the shell. I continued on my walk and when I finally got back to my room I pulled it out of my pocket. I was very surprised to find that there was somebody still living inside the shell who peaked out to say hello! I looked with wonder as this little crustacean crawled along my floor looking for its former home. I could not believe that I had fallen victim to the same mentality that I was so strongly objecting to during the onset of my walk. I quickly made sure I took the little guy back outside so he could return to his domain.

This made me realize a very important fact. I think that it is man’s nature to try to objectify nature and also to take what he sees as wonderful and make it his own regardless of the consequences. This is what I think has led to the destruction of nature and our departure from true humanity. Nature can’t be objectified. The Native Americans had it right when they thought that if something should be taken from nature it should be taken with the upmost respect and used to the fullest extent possible. There is no doubt that this experience has changed me.

I am sure there will be more revelations to come.