The Circle Of Life

[poliphilo]

Is this the only way an ecosystem can work- or are there planets out there in the great laboratory of the universe where the critters thrive and evolve without eating one another?

I mean, it's a pretty disgusting carry-on isn't it?

Comments

[wyrmwwd.livejournal.com]

The only way life can continue is by the consuming of other life. The Jains believe that all life is sentient, including plants. Therefore, one should only eat fruit and the leaves of plants that offer their bounty willingly.

I, on the other hand, believe that all life evolved from a single cell that kept eating bits and bites of proteins & sugars until it grew too big to sustain itself. Then it divided. It kept dividing. then it began working in groups to make the business of life easier.

By this logic, I believe that we are ALL just one living thing. The illusion of individuality is just that, and illusion. When I consume another, I'm consuming a part of myself. We are all a part of a vast WE, constantly growing and improving, and keeping Ourself alive.

If I hurt another unnecessarily, I am only hurting Ourself. But if I FEED myself, then I am feeding Ourself. Ourself provides food for Ourself. Ourself heals Ourself.

Viewing the situation like that, I find the whole system beautiful rather than tragic.