Saw a story about a man on 9/11 who was told to go back to work in the tower that hadn’t yet been hit.
He got on the elevator, but before the doors closed he jumped back out and left the building. He resisted authority.
If you like resisting authority, you might be drawn to birds. They symbolize free will. This is covered in our Viewpoints section. Check out “No Rules.” Don’t worry; it’s short.
Meanwhile, the thought occurred again, when I noticed birds on this unnaturally warm February Sunday.
Canada Geese walking around like they own the place. And odd ducks. (Odd, because it’s winter in Chicago. But these guys do what they please).
Also, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Hairy, Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, none standing still. An American Kestrel, a Red-tail, American Goldfinches.
All are studies in disobedience.
If you told an American Kestrel to get on an elevator and go to work, he’d zip past and drop something on your shoulder.
Birds fly. They’re creatures of whim.
Free whim. The cousin of free will.
They’re the ultimate in civil disobedience. I think that’s why I got interested as a kid, looking out the window of a confining schoolroom, envying street birds because they could take off.
Yeah, you don’t have to be a bird nut to admire birds. You can simply be someone who likes to spit in the eye of authority.
And who recognizes a kindred spirit.