A Language Older Than Words Ch. 13-15

Metamorphosis, Insatiability, and Violence are the one world titles of the next three chapters; all concise and all to the point. These chapters continue on with Jensen's style of anecdotes, stories, and bold climbs, each of which is effectively combined to drive his point across that the state of the world is in shambles. The main point that he continues to drive home though is that on an individual level we can continue to strive for change. Hopefully this change will help us revolutionize societal conventions and help us to work towards harmony.

Metamorphosis is mostly a discussion of plants, animals, and change. The first conclusion he draws is that we are often oblivious to the nature that surrounds us. The second story he tells is in reference to a swarm of lady bugs killing trees and aphids. Jensen talks about how he contemplates the various members of this interaction. Do the trees feel pain? Do the ladybugs feel growing pain? The conclusion that he comes to is that transitions by definitions invovle "pain. loss, sorrow, and even death." If we can survive this hardship we are given new life/vitality.

Insatiability is a word I had to look up in the dictionary. Turns out it means "unable to be satisfied". Hahaha, I guess I should have picked up on that from the root "satiable". Anways, this chapter addresses the fact that we cannot just keep refusing to acknowledge humanity's desire for more and more: "I don't know how much longer we can keep running." Our society as a whole uses money to fabricate truth and deny the pressing truth of our destruction. The word that Jensen repeatedly goes back to is "silencing". Silencing the natives to steal their land, silencing the voices that offer up dissent. The last aspect of this chapter deals with the "central question of our time: what are sane and appropriate responses to insanely destructive behavior." Writing letters doesn't seem to do the trick; it didn't work for Gandhi trying to stop Hitler so why would it work for Jensen? He boldly admits that if he could have killed his father....he would have. This proves that he condones extreme behavior if it brings about the desired ends.

Violence is a word that I do no the definition of, unlike insatiable. The words meaning is almost as straightforward as the chapter it describes: its about violence and murder. Right off the bat he puts forth the idea that "life feeds off life, and because every action causes a killing, the purpose of existence cannot be to simply avoid taking lives. All of the stories that follow are centered around the claim that those who destroy mus be stopped. The stories that he supports this with are all about taking "up the rifle" which makes it blatantly obvious that Jensen's solution is offensive. I don't think he necessarily condones murder, but is vehemently against continuing to be on the defensive: "we must struggle."

The first of these chapters was a light transition into the violence and pain that the other two encompass. Metamorphosis touches on pain, transition, and struggle but the subsequent two really bring it home with talk of murder and violence. It makes sense, and definitely ties with other claims that Jensen has made. From the beginning it has been his assertion that we must come close to the edge and make a triumphant return. There isn't much closer to the edge than murder and violence. Accordingly, it makes sense that Jensen would make these assertions about what how to stop those who destroy. I learned that extreme action needs to be taken to spark change, a fact that I have mixed emotions about.

The connection that I intend to make here is to the article entitled "Ten, Count'em Ten Uses for Parents". It might sound sick or cynical, but here are Jensen's "Two, Count'em Two Reasons for Violence." First off, it establishes that you mean business. Someone who has resorted to violence is not messing around. Although murder and other forms of action are not necessarily ideal, those whose attention you are seeking will undoubtedly take you seriously. The second reason is that it puts you on the offensive as opposed to the defensive. Without being on offense, you are much more vulnerable and susceptible to the attacks of your opponent.

I'm a little torn about what I should take from these three chapters. There is no situation in my life as of right now that constitutes violence in my opinion. What I can take from it though is that when there does come a time that I am passionate enough about something to step and take violent action in defense of it, I'll be ready. Perhaps one day I will be in a situation where are friend is being raped or assaulted. I will not sit back on the defensive, and attempt to never let it happen again. I will take up arms (metaphorically that is) and take offensive actions against my opposition. The difficult thing is that while Jensen is livid about enough injustices to take violent action in many situations, there is not that much that I feel strongly enough about to physical harm others. Because of that, I need to develop stronger ideals so that I do have something to fight for.

Questions

Is there a reason why children don't comprehend murder? If he had of killed his father, he would have gone to jail and never developed in the same way he did?

Is it wrong to identify the fact that transition and growing pains is a positive thing? Is it possible you could turn into a masochist because of it?