Many of us value rather cadaverous things. So many value fancy possessions and excessively large houses that they are fond of showing off to others. It is likely, however, that the intrinsic intelligence of the vast universe doesn’t give a rat’s behind about fancy possessions and elaborate, ostentatious houses. Real value is in what is free… like integrity, compassion, and pristine, uncorrupt perception. However, so many of us were miseducated to neglect those “deep and profound” things and, instead, were taught to chase after rather superficial things that must be “earned and acquired over time.” (They are valuable-garbage-things; in other words, they are “valuable,” but they are — if you are of deep perception — essentially worthless garbage.) Aspects of the real beauty of integrity, compassion, and uncorrupt perception are that they are beyond the greedy clutches of grasping and “earning” and so are (in a big way) beyond time. Most people chase after the contrived, superficial shadows while failing to see the true value in what is timeless and alive. They are caught — while the real jewels of life elude them — in showing off their dead, shadowy treasures to each other… trying to impress.
Before i retired, i had, as one of my students, who — though having mental retardation and though being severely multiply handicapped, including being blind and having paraplegia — had a great sense of humor and a very caring disposition. He never displayed any hatred or malice toward anyone. He often stated, “I love everyone.” He never displayed any pretentious behavior; he never — though handicapped, he was more gifted than most of the other students — flaunted his abilities, and he never wanted much, but he was always happy, always joyful and caring. He would always joke around a lot — he was a great member of our Royal Order of the Moose Club (similar to the Royal Order of Racoons on the Honeymooners show) — and he would often laugh and be zestfully living. He recently passed away. I spoke at his funeral service to those who attended. Many attended… because he was so genuine and pure. He was my teacher (in a big way too); i learned a lot (about goodness and about value) from him.
Miseducation magnifies false values, portraying them to be precious. It also often overemphasizes competition rather than joyful cooperation. Real education goes beyond false values and transcends separation, vanity, conflict, pride, imitation, racism, hatred, competition, environmental indifference, and fractional perception.
[Note: Many years ago, when i was young, i visited, worked at, and spent a lot of time (6 months) at Family Pastimes in Ontario, Canada. The people there live in a marvelous, very beautiful rural area (with wild bear and beavers), are vegetarians, and they make and sell cooperative (non-competitive) games. They have been making and selling exclusively cooperative games for over 40 years. Check out their website sometime; you will be glad you did! www.familypastimes.com]
Spicebush Swallowtail (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Spicebush Swallowtail (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
If only more folks could see the world from your eyes we would have a different paradigm in place, one that values cooperation, compassion, equality, and a way of being in the world that creates the space for wonder in every day settings… your photography reminds me of Georgia O Keeffe’s flower paintings…making it impossible not to see – at least for a moment.
Thanks, Sara! 🙂 Miseducation has a lot to do with it. Too many schools stress competition and “showing off.” When robots are cranked out (by robots), the superficiality remains superficial.
Oh, you are so right, sadly.
very moving story, Thomas. I completely agree with you that the most important things in life have nothing to do with money, showing-off and values. I don’t like superficiality, too. But – as I stated before – all this needs some intelligence to be understood. I was really sad that the nice guy you described has passed away. He gave so much to the world and most of the people might not have noticed that, but you did. Regards Mitza
Thanks much, Mitza! 🙂 I understand that you are not fond of superficiality; your wonderful comments of the past are a glowing example of that! Unfortunately, most people were educated by (primarily) superficiality and they are content remaining with superficiality. Deeper truths are not significant to them.
Ron was a very special person. Despite his handicaps, he was far more joyful and kind than a lot of those bourgeois businessmen running around.
that’s a very loving description of a wonderful person, Thomas. Do you think that superficiality is more common in the US than here? I had this feeling when I was in Boston once many years ago. I cannot judge others by my own standards as I’m not a common person.
Well, here in the U.S., in the Midwest, superficiality seems to be the norm. I was overseas for awhile when i was very young… and it was there too, in different (and similar) forms. At least, during the Olympics, they are not diving into 3-inch deep water!
I think many people surround themselves with superficial “things” because they’re afraid to show who they really are. The “things” are a protective shell.
Beautiful butterfly shot! The dark colouration is so dramatic.
Yes, that is true for many. There are many reasons… miseducation (as was mentioned to others above) is certainly one of the factors too.
Those butterflies are fewer in number this year (and in recent years). We, as humans, need to do better with our environment!
Beautiful capture Tom !😉
Thanks, Marcela! 🙂 I like it when their wings aren’t battered and torn from having had visited tons of flowers!
Maybe I’m cynical (well no maybe, I am sometimes) but it’s easy to love everyone when the stimulus is low. When I went to NYC, I couldn’t stand all that stimulus and material surroundings. It made me depressed actually. To me it was everything that is wrong with the world in one place. While I enjoy my material things, what I love most is connecting in a meaningful way with people and spending time in nature. The first is hard for me to do, the second I’m getting better at. But those are the things I appreciate most in life.
I enjoy material things too, Laura… fossils and cameras and such. However, they don’t hold a pin to the timeless things that were mentioned in the posting. I used to hate Chicago (when i’d visit); it seemed so unnatural and concrete-(devoid of life)-oriented. There are things there — like the Shedd Aquarium, Botanical Gardens, and such — that are living and wonderful, though.
Spending time in nature is magical. Nature is disappearing too quickly on this planet.
True…those kinds of places show that humanity cares and feeds my curiosity and love for animals and nature. Still though….lol. You’re right, nature is definitely in danger and that includes human beings unfortunately. Meantime I just got back from a challenging hike and enjoying the beauty outside!
Reblogged this on ravenhawks' magazine and commented:
I a happy to see some of the things that resonate with me so beautifully articulated
Thank you, ravenhawks! 🙂
Once, when i was very young, a huger than huge raven sat for a few days on the roof of our 3 story grade school.
All of us, as kids, were enamored with it. Then, one evening, i looked out of my bedroom window and it was on the window sill staring at me. It was a very magical moment!
Yes, they are amazing birds I have indeed had a few close and magical encounters with them as well.
I appreciate your perspective, it is very refreshing and pure! Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Jessica
The butterfly is beautiful too!
Glad that you are appreciative of the writing, Jessica. 🙂 Butterflies are so magical; i can’t believe how adroit and maneuverable they are in the wooded area by us!
Yes you are so right about this Tom, lovely images of the butterfly.
Thank you, Karen! Butterflies are naturally beautiful just being what they are, without trying! 🙂