Image by Chadden Hunter. Frozen Planet BBC - 2011
If one observes this photograph of a pack of wolves, it reveals a very interesting and powerful message
The first 3 are the old or sick, they give the pace to the entire pack.
If it was the other way round, they would be left behind, losing contact with the pack.
In case of an ambush they would be sacrificed.
Then come 5 strong ones, the front line. In the centre are the rest of the pack members, then the 5 strongest following.
Last and alone, is the alpha male wolf. He controls everything from the rear. In that position he can see everything, decide the direction. He sees all of the pack.
The pack moves according to the elders pace and help each other, and watch out for each other.
~ Author Unknown
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In contrast, how is modern human society functioning?
The old are left behind to fend for themselves. They may exist longer but the big question is do they live healthy and happy? They die less because of physical reasons, but more likely from psychological reasons, boredom and loneliness. What could be described as the result of a sense of abandonment, a sad and broken heart.
How we treat our elders, is most likely how our young will treat us.
How we nurture and protect our young will give them the values to care for themselves and for others.
These are too important a task to be left to the state or to be outsourced. By its very nature government and bureaucracy, cannot provide the love, care and protection that only a caring family can provide. For the sake of more income families are being sacrificed, becoming more dysfunctional.
Broken families lead to a broken society and that cannot be good for humanity.
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Wise elders pass on the mantle of leadership to the young well in time. A true leader supports others from behind. There is less glory but greater cohesion and higher chances of success and survival for the pack.
