This story captures the heart of animal rights activists' efforts. I'd like this to be made a sticky, if possible. Thank you. :)

The Starfish Story

adapted from The Star Thrower by Loren Eiseley
1907 - 1977

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one."

Someone copied this and passed it around when a co-worker who had cancer took her own life last year....it's a beautiful story.

I first heard this in elementary school.

It's lovely.

I love love LOVE this story!! I got it in an email several years ago.
I'm going to print it out :D

I always quote this tale, when someone quiestions why I support AR etc,.

I seem to be the only person in this thread who hadn't heard that story before.
It's beautiful :)

It is indeed beautiful. :)

I loved that, and sent it to several of my friends. Thanks VJ!

One of the best, for sure.

As my friend rescued that turkey, it could apply to her and terence!

yes, a great story for sure. Thanks for puting it up, i enjoyed reading it again.

Thats so cool!

I rewrote it..

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "Would you rather have me throw them at you?"

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "Just asking a question! No need to get your panties in a bunch!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it at the wise man.


:)

Marie, you are eeeeevil. :no:

I'm not the one who threw the starfish at the man. :p

I like Marie's version too :lol:

I had not heard this story before. How wonderful, I am going to print it. Marie, your version is funny!

Thanks :p

I have a version that includes a bit about shelter animals......Don't remeber where I got it.

I walked into the shelter, the owner greeted me.
She was helping Misty learn to trust. She was struggling I could see.
I said, "Tell me why you bother, why you waste your time this way.
Misty's only one of thousands, does it matter anyway?"
And she said, "It matters to this one. She deserves a chance to grow.
It matters to this one. I can't save them all I know.
But it matters to this one, I'll help her be what she can be.
It matters to this one, and it matters to me."

I have a version that includes a bit about shelter animals......Don't remeber where I got it.

I walked into the shelter, the owner greeted me.
She was helping Misty learn to trust. She was struggling I could see.
I said, "Tell me why you bother, why you waste your time this way.
Misty's only one of thousands, does it matter anyway?"
And she said, "It matters to this one. She deserves a chance to grow.
It matters to this one. I can't save them all I know.
But it matters to this one, I'll help her be what she can be.
It matters to this one, and it matters to me."

:smitten:

I love that story!!!!

awe, I love this story so much.

Wow, I never heard this story before. It's sweet :)

I think that is so sweet, I have never heard that before.

Since this was in the Activist discussion board I read the title and thought it was going to be about cutting up the starfish and throwing them back in the ocean...
Terrible, but it does create new starfish...does anyone know if that's true?

I like the story by the way...that's a keeper