A funny and memorable chain reaction happened in Paris when I was spending a day there after Versailles before moving on to Marseilles. I sneezed quite loudly in Sorbonne Square, whereupon the dove got scared and suddenly flew into the air, whereupon the dog started barking, which was answered by another dog further away. I don't know how far the reaction chain opened. My own perception could not go any further. This kind of chaining happens all the time between smaller and more imperceptible things. I would like to remember that in other contexts as well. Unintended reactions can go far and have unpredictable effects.
The most touching encounters during the trip happened almost with the animals. The ones with whom no words were not exchanged or spoken to, but still a lot was told and exchanged. Although animals are in many respects really different compared to humans, we still have a lot in common, which can be transmitted, e.g. through the gaze, such as recognizable gestures and common needs such as interaction, closeness, touch... You can be in the company of another, and it doesn't feel bothersome or disturbing. The other leaves when they feels like it, and doesn't owe an explanation. It is also possible to return and face again. The edges of different worlds touch each other, even though we are each shaped and determined to some extent by our own conditions, e.g. cat, human, dove, ground lizard, etc.
Sometimes I've thought that it would be good to be politically aware and have an opinion, choose sides, take a stand. So that, as it were, he would redeem his place in this society and prove his "worthiness" among people. Of course, it has felt, and still feels, a privilege to be able to use one's voice and express one's opinion - many do not have that opportunity. However, my own view has been supported by the belief that our political democratic system would handle this matter in a somehow sane and ethically fundamental way. Would separate us humans from animals. But now I think that maybe it is the problem of politics, too much human-centeredness... Although ironically, at the moment Finnish politics have animals in human clothes (or the other way around?), some people like to compare themselves to animals. This is quite confusing. Politics appears as a theater or a strange zoo where people talk to each other and their group members through codes and animal symbols. On the other hand, there seems to be nothing new here. In the Chinese zoo, it is again suspected that a person is dressing up as a bear.. Well, that's another story. I'm tired, it's already late.
During the trip, I have read writings and updates of researcher-activist-philosopher Elisa Aaltola in various media about the moral value of animals. I wonder what the world would look like if we really took animal rights into account in political decision-making and finally gave up e.g. fur farming. We would probably have one less sorrow and, on the other hand, more intellectual capital and capacity when, instead of moral detachment {*, we would finally be more capable of empathic decision-making not only towards other species but also towards our fellow humans. Our perception of democracy has changed since ancient times and positive images of freedom, equality and human rights are attached to it. I myself would like to believe that, that our democratic system would be able to continue to renew itself and meet the needs of our time more comprehensively.
❤
A friendly reminder to myself: About the chaining of choices and actions into morally sustainable ties, which are not necessarily the most obvious and closest to yourself.
{* Bandura's moral distinction theory
Links: The fundamental rights of animals must be written into the constitution
https://www.elaintenvuoro.fi/suomen-elainoikeusjuristit/#ehdotus
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