Why Do Wild Animals not Cultivate Their Own Doctors?

Xuefeng

Humans meticulously care for themselves, always fretting over and preparing for unforeseen future events, being "precautious" and "preventative." Contemplating the future and taking precautions isn't inherently wrong, but the question remains: are we devoting too much time, energy, and resources to the future? By excessively fixating on the future, are we neglecting our present?

Today, people seem to form friendships mainly for utilitarian purposes, rather than fostering genuine connections as our ancestors did, where hearts were in sync. "At home, rely on parents; outside, rely on friends," but why do we rely? We cloak our true intentions, compromising and pandering to "friends" just to safeguard against unforeseeable future events, leaning on them, correct? Despite forced smiles, reluctant engagements, and considerable reluctance, we still go out of our way to garner support for others. Are we still being true to ourselves? How much of our time is squandered on fruitless pursuits? Why do we engage in this behavior? Is it all in anticipation of the unforeseeable future?

We install security doors, set up alarms, erect fences, hang electric wires, manufacture weapons, construct hospitals, and purchase insurance. As humanity progresses, it appears the less secure we feel. Why is this? Will there come a day when everyone must wear bulletproof vests and dwell in heavily fortified underground bunkers? Is this truly the path of human advancement?

Birds and wild animals do not have doctors or hospitals. Does that mean they cannot survive?

The day before yesterday, I visited the Marondera Wildlife Sanctuary for observation. A large elephant mingled among a group of water buffaloes. According to the park staff, this elephant has been alive for nearly thirty years. It struck me: this elephant has lived for thirty years without ever seeing a doctor or receiving treatment from a hospital. How did it weather the storms and extreme weather conditions over these thirty years? Among humans, who among the thirty-year-olds has never visited a hospital or seen a doctor? Can one not survive without doctors and hospitals?

I'm not suggesting that having doctors and hospitals is detrimental. The extension of human lifespan partly hinges on the advancement of medical services. The question remains: why don't birds and wild animals have their own doctors and hospitals? Are they not living freely and happily?

In the courtyard of the villa where I reside, the vegetation flourishes. Every day around four-thirty in the morning, birds chirp in unison, and around five o'clock, when I open the window, I can observe a dozen or more species of birds merrily chirping and catching insects. They appear so carefree and liberated, utterly unconcerned about world affairs, currency fluctuations, the Iraq crisis, or the Asian financial turmoil. I wonder, should humans take a cue from birds?

If we eschew reliance on anything, and nothing can be depended upon, if we refrain from worrying excessively about the future, will we live more freely? Let what comes, come, and let what goes, go. Wouldn't life be simpler?