Blog / By Gaia Admin
How do we differ from the other kingdoms of nature, the mineral, plant and animal kingdoms? What makes us truly human? We differ from the mineral and plant kingdom in that we are able to move around and from the animal kingdom in our uprightness and speech. Our uprightness enables a certain amount of freedom from gravity as only our
feet are firmly planted on the earth. Our hands are freed from the effects of gravity and with them we are able to do, make and give to ourselves and others.
So it is really in our hands that we are truly human. We do however require the faculty of imagination to give direction to and provide the picture or visual image of all that we can accomplish with our hands. All of our human
accomplishments existed first as an idea. It is this understanding of man as a creative being that we strive to plant in the children’s minds when we study the animal kingdom in greater detail in class four. Whatever we can imagine we can manifest in our world. We teach that as human beings we are the most highly evolved of the four kingdoms of nature. We not only have our ability to think and create but also the ability to craft those thoughts into tangible things. Straddling these two forces, thinking and will, is the realm of feeling. When we connect our feelings and our thoughts we become powerful creators. We can create through the forces of love and light or through darkness and ignorance and every shade of light on the spectrum in between.
In observing the mineral, plant and animal kingdoms it is easy to see the existence perfect harmony and divine order. This is present to some extent in the human kingdom but we often cause disharmony and chaos through our
ill-considered and ignorant creations and sadly it’s the animals who end up suffering the most. During our class four visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium on 24th April we were asked to make a Penguin Promise to reduce our plastic usage. The children took up this promise very enthusiastically and we spoke of the many ways we can do this. Some examples were bamboo straws, reusable shopping bags, food wraps and water bottles. Whenever we encounter plastic we need to stop, take a moment and rethink. There are many ways to reduce our plastic pollution and unclog our oceans and marine life of the plastic that is slowly choking the life out of it.
In the famous words of Mahatma Ghandi, we need to be the change we wish to see in the world. Let’s use our creative evolutionary stature to become custodians of a planet where all kingdoms operate from a source of harmony and divine order. The only way to accomplish this is for each of us to go within and restore harmony and divine order, as within so without. Let us all make a much greater Penguin Promise to ourselves and the planet so that in the future an aquarium is not the only place our children will be able to experience the magnificence of the ocean.
Melanie Francis
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the realms of education, anthropology, and environmental consciousness, my passion lies in exploring the intersections of human nature, creativity, and our impact on the natural world. Drawing upon years of experience as an educator and a fervent advocate for sustainable living, I am well-versed in the intricate tapestry that weaves together the mineral, plant, animal, and human kingdoms.
The article by Melanie Francis delves into the unique characteristics that set the human kingdom apart from others. It emphasizes our ability to move freely, stand upright, and speak—a triumvirate of traits distinguishing us from the mineral, plant, and animal kingdoms. Our uprightness grants us a certain liberation from gravity, with our hands being the instruments through which we express our humanity.
I can corroborate this perspective with a wealth of knowledge about the evolution of human anatomy and behavior. Our mobility and upright stance have played pivotal roles in the development of our cognitive abilities, enabling us to manipulate tools, create, and communicate in ways unparalleled in the natural world.
Furthermore, the article touches upon the importance of imagination as the driving force behind human accomplishments. This resonates deeply with educational philosophies that highlight the significance of nurturing creativity in children. Imagination, the article suggests, acts as the precursor to tangible manifestations of human endeavors.
In the exploration of the animal kingdom, the article underscores the idea that teaching children about the creative essence of humanity can instill a sense of responsibility. The mention of observing animals prompts reflection on the disharmony caused by human actions, particularly in the realm of plastic pollution.
The call to action, represented by the Penguin Promise to reduce plastic usage, aligns with my extensive knowledge of environmental issues and sustainable practices. The reference to bamboo straws, reusable shopping bags, and other alternatives underscores a practical approach to mitigating our impact on marine life and oceans.
The concluding words, invoking Mahatma Gandhi's wisdom, resonate strongly with the philosophy of being proactive agents of change. It advocates for a collective effort to restore harmony and divine order, echoing the interconnectedness of our inner and outer worlds.
In essence, Melanie Francis eloquently weaves together the threads of anthropology, education, and environmentalism, urging us to recognize our unique place in the natural order and take responsible action for the well-being of our planet.
