<p>I know it’s far from perfect. It’s full of flaws, but I simply do not know what else to write without seeming repetitive. I also cannot write another paragraph because my teacher liimited essay is limited to two pages. My essay is about one line away from going past 2 pages. Just criticize it.</p>
<p>Understanding the enigmas of nature is no easy task. However, one must not proceed to ignore the life that he or she lives in conjunction with. The common philosophy most humans hold is that they are the paragons of the ultimate species and are more significant than the rest of nature. Nevertheless, Ralph Waldo Emerson in his book Nature exemplifies the significance of maintaining a good and appreciative relationship with nature in order to live a life full of accord. In the novel The Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway stresses that in order for people to form a kinship with nature, they need to observe nature as it is and regard it with respect by giving it the proper reverence.</p>
<p>Santiago’s connection with nature is very strong, as shown by his camaraderie with his opponent when he claims that “The fish is my friend too” (Hemingway 75). Contrary to Santiago, most people would deem it unworthy of being called anything more than just an insignificant animal that provides sustenance for humans. The use of the word “friend” infers that Santiago has a special relationship with the fish, not just the typical predator and prey or superior and inferior relationship. Also, he lauds the fish when he maintains that “there is no one worthy of eating him [the marlin] from the manner of his behaviour and his great dignity” (Hemingway 75). Santiago is able to treat the fish as an equal. He acknowledges the fish’s conduct is comparable if not superior to that of the majority of people in society. Santiago is implying that the fish’s “great dignity” accentuates how nature is not necessarily inferior to man; it is only man who thinks he is superior to nature. Hemingway uses the forthright word “worthy” to highlight the importance of treating others, even opponents, with proper dignity. Coupled with his praises are Santiago’s motivation and pertinacity, which further demonstrate the high level of respect he has for his opponent. He could easily forfeit his journey due to his unfortunate circumstances, but he instead chooses to fight the battle to the finish and places himself and the fish in a situation of acquiring the glory of enduring a battle to completion.</p>
<p>By not abandoning the battle, Santiago might seem obstinate. However, his stubbornness does not blind him from realization. Santiago knows that catching the marlin is possible, but thinks that the celestial bodies are powerful when he is glad that “we [humans] are lucky that we do not have to try to kill the stars” (Hemingway 75). Santiago uses the optimistic word “lucky” to accentuate nature’s closeness with humans. Additionally, Santiago defies the common principle when he brings up that stars have a much stronger presence in the world than humans do and that humans are not omnipotent gods. Emerson also shares the belief that man is not a supreme ruler of the universe because when he is “Standing on the bare ground, – my [Emerson’s] head bathed by the blithe air, and uplifted into infinite space, – all mean egotism vanishes. I become a transparent eye-ball; I am nothing…” (Emerson 257). The pleasant and friendly word “blithe” indicates that nature figuratively invites man to venture out to discover more about it. </p>
<p>Ultimately, an egotistical view of life is an erroneous outlook because it engenders a superiority complex. When this Anglo-Saxon ideology becomes intractable, the urge to understand others more diminishes. Thus, before man can begin to form a relationship with nature, he must open-minded and understand that life is about respect and equality between everyone and everything.</p>