avatarJennifer Pierce

Summary

The web content recounts the heartwarming story of Nan Hauser's encounter with an altruistic whale, emphasizing the profound nature of love and kindness in both humans and animals.

Abstract

The article titled "LOVE & RELATIONS" shares the emotionally moving tale of Nan Hauser, who was saved by a whale, illustrating the depth of altruism in the animal kingdom. It challenges the cynical worldview of "eat or be eaten," suggesting that the world is also filled with love and wonder. The narrative is punctuated by a quote from David Rakoff on the nature of altruism, and the author reflects on the intrinsic value of love and its role in evolution. The article encourages readers to embrace moments of pure love and kindness, as seen in Nan's story, and concludes with a call to action for readers to subscribe to the author's newsletter and support her work by becoming Medium members.

Opinions

  • The author believes that animals, like humans, are capable of altruistic behavior, contrary to the common belief that their actions are solely driven by survival instincts.
  • There is a conviction that love is a miraculous force that surpasses material wealth, suggesting that the most profound experiences in life are priceless.
  • The article expresses hope for humanity and the planet, grounded in the belief that love and evolution can lead to positive changes despite the current state of the world.
  • The author values the small acts of kindness that can have a significant impact, advocating for the power of unexpected generosity.
  • A personal plea is made for emotional validation through reader engagement and support, highlighting the author's emotional connection to their work and its reception.

LOVE & RELATIONS

Nan Hauser and Her Altruistic Whale

Here is the touching story of a woman saved by a whale. If you don’t cry big, salty tears when you see this, you need a hug.

Photo by Thomas Kelley on Unsplash

Whales are known to exhibit altruistic behavior. It’s crazy to imagine, but there are many stories of them helping out other creatures even when there is no benefit for the whale. They just help.

“Altruism is innate, but it’s not instinctual. Everybody’s wired for it, but a switch has to be flipped.” ~David Rakoff

David Rakoff was writing about altruism in humans, and I agree, there is a choice to be made. But how does it work in animals?

I think we sell animals short. We are such tiny-minded humans. We forget that there is more to this world than “eat or be eaten.” Yes, we live in a cold, brutal world, but also, yes, we live in a place of wonder and love.

Let us not forget love.

I’ll let Nan tell you her story here. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I cried like a baby!

People say money makes the world go round, and maybe it does, but I believe something is happening here in this place that is far more interesting than anything money can buy.

Love is a crazy miracle.

What becomes of us and this world after we are finished tearing it to bits only God knows. But I have small hope because of the big things that happen, like love and evolution.

Can you imagine being a chicken and finding out your ancestors were dinosaurs?

Oh, God delights in the whacky and the good.

I guess that is why we are all here. We must all do our best and swim in our lane. If we are lucky, we might be able to do something great or experience love in its purest, most shocking form.

Kindness, for no good reason, from a stranger.

Subscribe to my newsletter to be notified when I publish a new article. Use this link to sign up for a Medium Membership, and I will get a portion of your membership fee which will help support me and give you access to thousands of stories written by thousands of talented writers! When you use my link to sign up, I also get emotional validation that I desperately crave. Thank you!

Nan Hauser
Humpback Whales
Love
Altruism
Illumination
Recommended from ReadMedium