To summarize- a man finds himself in a situation where he is clinging to a vine hanging from a cliff, with a hungry tiger at the top and beneath him. Along the vine are also black and white mice nibbling away.
The story represents life and the forever presence of death. The mice represent the passing time of night and day.
In the story, the man spots a strawberry growing within arm's reach. The strawberry is the best tasting thing he has ever had.
I suppose the story reminded me of a scene in the film: 'Fight Club'. Spoiler here: The main characters drag a guy from out of a convenience store/ petrol station and threaten to shoot him in the parking lot. They ask him what he originally intended to do with his life and, on hearing that he wanted to be a veterinarian, they tell him that he must start to proceed towards that dream and that they will be watching to see that he does so.
On leaving the man, one character says how cruel they just were. The other denies that- pointing out how good breakfast will taste to that man.
Is that even true though? Does it really matter how good the strawberry tastes to the guy dangling off the edge of the cliff? Even if he enjoys the strawberry in that monent, aren't his arms aching from holding on to the vine so tightly? Isn't his heart still pounding in his chest looking down or up at the tigers circling? Surely- he can't remain in that state of denial forever.
If I was the one holding onto that vine, watching the mice nibbling away at the top, feeling the strands of the vine snapping one by one, I kind of think I'd just want the whole thing overwith. I'd be tempted to just let go of the vine. Maybe I'd enjoy a last strawberry but, why hang about and suffer when the inevitable end will likely be bad?
Maybe the same goes for 'Fight Club'. There would be an initial euphoria of eluding death. But then, the poor guy has to get himself through 4-6 years of study before he can fulfil his dream. All while fearing the nutter with the gun is watching him.
I don't think I'm built for the Buddhist mindset. I can achieve it in a given moment but- if I let those moments dominate my life- I neglect to do all the shit we need to do to pay for those strawberries. I suppose too- what comfort is a strawberry when you are contemplating being ripped to shreds and eaten alive by a tiger?
I suppose, being anti- natilist too- I wonder why would- be parents think that's a good situation to put a sentient being in to begin with.
