THINQon : "One should be light like a bird, and not like a feather"

Safari & Garden Safari "One should be light like a bird, and not like a feather"

THINQon is a platform for a more intelligent web. It aims to replace the ruling paradigm of the web – that of sharing and gathering information – with a sharing and achieving of understanding. Instead of the Q&A model it offers an experience. A platform for discovery of ideas, people, and yourself. Continue >

Michel de Graph

"One should be light like a bird, and not like a feather"

Latest Post: December 4, 2011 at 4:55 PM

15 followers

"One should be light like a bird, and not like a feather."
"Il faut être léger comme l'oiseau, et non comme la plume"
- Paul Valéry (Choses Tues)

It's a truly fascinating phrase. On the surface of it, it calls for controlling where you fly and not merely going with the wind. Birds are influenced by the wind but mostly control where they go.

And yet, are birds light? I can't make up my mind. They fly, and a cheetah doesn't, but who is lighter? Do I want to be light like a bird or like a cheetah? A feather is clearly light, but a bird...
What kind of lightness are we looking for in the world? I just can't see myself as a bird. I prefer the lightness of a Panther.

What do you think of this phrase?
Note, for example, that the bird includes many different feathers; that people want to be told what to do and not direct themselves, and so on. There are many directions one can take this phrase.

Edna Stern tagged this post as Very enjoyable.

Reply to:

Mia Vialti

November 12, 2011 at 7:14 AM

67 followers

Michel, how lovely!

I'll also add that the plume is a quill, which is to say a pen.
To be the bird, the live thing, all together and full of meaning -- as opposed to the feather plucked from it, which drags across the page bleeding ink.

In some sense the lightness of birds allows them to move through what appears to be an empty medium -- the air -- without disturbing it; I'd say that thinking like a bird would mean seeing at vast distances, soaring perhaps, as an almost omnipotent observer.

Thinking like a panther would mean an engagement. On the ground it is a world of power and energy and the big cat, unlike the bird, feels the thrill of this and can push back.

Reply to: or

Linda OReilly

November 12, 2011 at 4:06 PM

88 followers

I like it. Thinking or perceiving like a bird would mean seeing things from a new perspective.
A teacher of mine said once upon a long time ago, that when you feel embroiled in your little life and you're being pulled at and pushed that you should stop and concentrate and then pull back, 'to the balcony', she called it, and see things from a distance, only observe..
That little exercise cleans the palate and, if you're willing, puts distance between you and the turmoil.
It gives you the broad view and gives you time to see that what goes on around you, bad or good, is not the be all end all.
You can fly to something more nourishing to the spirit.
It takes some practice but is a very helpful tool in life.