Dogs and the Universe

An Old Friend (Photo by Kevin R.)

I recently read an essay titled "My Life as a Dog" by Jonathan Safran Foer. As I read, I found that I was agreeing with most of the points that he brought up in the writing. However, I found that the structure of the essay was less than ideal for getting any particular point across to the reader.

For example, Foer explained that keeping a dog can mean a lot of work and inconvenience, but it is all worth it in the end. Our interactions with our canine companions can make us feel more human. I grew up around dogs and have witnessed this myself. No matter how difficult they make my life, I never devalue the relationship I have with them. There is always that mutual bond between us.

I also agree with his claim that humanity is intentionally ignorant of the fact that we have finite natural resources and are consuming and destroying them without compromise. People just wait around for some higher power (be it technology, science, or religion) to repair this imbalance instead of facing this deadly problem head-on. I feel like most people are selfish in the way that they place priority in the progress of artificial human constructs rather than our healthy coexistence with the rest of the universe. We place the temporary good for the individual before the lasting good for all humankind and the world we live in. Someday humanity will have to face the consequences of their choices.

As far as the essay itself, it felt like I was reading a stream of consciousness. Foer starts by bringing up an issue regarding leash laws for dogs in New York City parks. By the end he has devolved into talking about the compromises that humans do or do not make with nature. He makes a lot of good points, but it felt like he used this essay as an outlet to flesh out his own philosophical questions and viewpoints, rather than trying to make any particular point.