You probably know I am a student of the eagle. We have sculptures on our property and I continue to study the characteristics of these magnificent creatures. I’m working on a new book, “Why Eagles Fly”. Here’s another important trait we see, dealing with the willingness to stand alone if necessary.
Gracious Autonomy – not an arrogant self-centeredness, but a comfortable willingness to go alone if necessary. The Latin saying “Aquila non captat musca” (The Eagle doesn’t catch flies) is used to indicate that wise people don’t engage in minor activities. While others may engage in petty talk or activities, the Eagle will embark on its own mission. Overprotective families tend to produce chickens; critical families can create vultures. Soft, sentimental families may produce pigeons that strut and coo, and who run for cover in the storms. Families to whom life is a party can produce sparrows who flit here and there chattering meaninglessly. But an Eagle family is different. It is exposed to wind and weather and sun. And yet there is a quiet confidence, a solidarity to stand against the current winds of fashion and popular trends.
In order to fulfill our unique possibilities, we must put aside conformity. There is a human tendency to believe that whatever the great majority of people are doing must be right or there wouldn’t be so many doing it. Whether it’s driving a Chevy, buying clothes at the Gap or eating at McDonald’s, following the crowd shows that you are “in” or at least knowledgeable. However, this is absolutely wrong. The best is never the most popular. In fact, the good is often the enemy of the best. Surely we know McDonald’s does not provide the most healthful, nutritious food. Popular; yes. The best, not a chance.
Be careful of your associates. Remember, you acquire much of the thinking, mannerisms and characteristics of the people you are around. “Make no friendships with an angry man, and with a furious man thou shalt not go. Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.” Prov. 22: 24-25
Interesting use of birds to show personality traits
Wow, I really love the imagery you gave with an Eagle family being exposed to wind, weather, and sun. Thanks for your insights, Dan!
Dan – love how you use the analogy of birds versus behaviors!!
But I eat at McDonald’s (occasionally) AND drive a Chevy. 🙁
Greetings Dan,
Certainly in our personal lives we have quite a bit of control over our influences. That seems to be less so in our employment, assuming we work for a company. It occurs to me that we may have it
Dan, I am determined to have an Eagle family. Great insight! 🙂
Well said Dan. Never knew how much of an ornithologist you are. I agree with Patrick, the use of the various birds really drove home the point about different personality traits.
It’s always been my personality trait that when I see the crowd going overwhelmingly in one direction, I just have to be the guy questioning that and taking a different path. For the most part that has served me very well over the years. Go Eagles!!!
Being a War Eagle I love these analogies. What a magnificent bird whether perched or in flight. We should all strive to be our own brand of majestic.
As soon as the book is ready for preorder, let us know. I’m definitely buying it. We are all about the eagle in our house too!
Ayn Rand’s book, The Fountainhead, relates such a story of a man, Howard Roark, who is ridiculed and belittled by the collectivists and populists. Though he was undaunted from the beginning, he still transcends. Also, and perhaps more relative, is Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull. A bird who defies the Council of Elders in his quest to fly like an eagle, endures to the end. Many Christian undertones in Jonathan’s journey.
Very helpful, challenging and memorable analogies. Thanks Dan.
I will need to remember “The Eagle doesn’t catch flies.” Lions and tigers may be bigger and stronger, but wolves do not perform in the circus.