When an end is also a beginning
A dialogue between Gottfried the bird and Simones the green berries. Gottfried thinks that each being is independent but part of a logical and harmonious whole, accessible through singing. The Simones assert that femininity is a condition imposed by history and society and question traditional roles.
Gottfried: hello Simones, I came to see you to knowyour thoughts about all the recent changes in the domain.
Simones: this is the start of a new era but this is not the first time that the domain has been transformed. Did you know that in the old days, there were fields around us and even slaves to work them?
Gottfried: it must go back a long way!
Simones: we see remains of it here and there. The ponds, for example, were built around that time.
Gottfried: built? I thought they had always been the way they are.
Simone: no, they look natural but they are not.
Gottfried: it seems that what we believe to be immutable has often a very eventful history …
Simones: like all the living, Gottfried. Things never stay the same, that’s why you don’t have to worry about the domain, a new order will fall into place and new things will appear.
Gottfried: but won’t you regret our friends who are gone?
Simones: yes, of course, I liked them and their stories. They may also miss the domain, but apart from the Emilies who followed Socrates, they were all migrants or nomads. It’s in their nature to move and we forgot it.
Gottfried: right, I hadn’t thought about that. I thought that at least Peter and Socrates had made their home here.
Simones: they probably thought so too and then circumstances got them wrong.
Gottfried: and us, do you think we’ll go?
Simones: for you, you can fly, you could go elsewhere but you are not of a species that goes far so I doubt it. As for us, apart from a hurricane, there is not much that can make us move so on that side, we are secure.
Gottfried: yes, the others, they will probably stay too, they are not frequent travelers.
Simones: we’re going to be among sedentary people.
Gottfried: no more stories from elsewhere. Are we going to be bored?
Simones: no because migrants will come back. Ducks for example. You just have to know that to become attached to them is to take the risk of being sad when they leave. I also heard that rabbits have come along as well as coyotes and raccoons. It’s going to create a new dynamic,
Gottfried: especially if the coyotes are chasing the rabbits and raccoons! Migrants, they bring us exoticism and make us dream and then they leave us.
Simones: but we give them a sense of permanence that they lack.
Gottfried: true, I wouldn’t live their life, it involves too many unforeseen events and it doesn’t have enough strong anchors.
Simones: you see, we have our strengths too. And since Baruch is no longer there, why don’t you become the wise creature of the domain? You will remind everyone that to sing is to touch the harmony of the world and that you don’t have to go far to do it.
Gottfried: do you think so?
Simones: yes, your wisdom is joyful and light, exactly what we need. Would you prefer the seriousness of Emmanuelles?
Gottfried: no, of course not. You know that the Irinas and they are dropping their radio show and that Luce and the deer are talking about creating a new one, maybe even with Niccolò?
Simones: yes, here too, things will change and if we don’t like it, we can always take Peter and Davina’s show on the radio of the birds. You probably have contacts there.
Gottfried: I do but I prefer to sing in the domain. And since Luce and the deers are talking about opening the antenna to guests, you may be able to go and talk there. I’m sure you and Luce will have a lot to say.
Simones: I think you’re making fun of me, Gottfried, but your idea isn’t that bad.
Gottfried: it will be a new beginning for everyone, in a way …
NB: This dialogue is the last which was entirely audible because if the animals continued to speak, it became again as incomprehensible as before.
Analysis
After 39 dialogues analyzed and 39 books intended to develop their philosophical content, all you have to do now is see if this introduction to philosophy has been effective and allows you to do the work yourself.
You can of course contact me to offer your interpretation.
Otherwise, you may have to read everything again from the beginning to gain more practice ?!
In any case, enjoy the journey!
Possible discussions
Do you learn better on your own?
What is the role of regrets?
Finally
If you want to pursue this introduction to philosophy in another form, try Sophie’s world by Gaarder, an easy-to-read classic.
If you feel like contributing to these dialogues, write your comments and questions below.
Finally, for more on Simones and Gottfried’s likes, their favorite books and those of other creatures are in the domain library.