From https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1232835448881441&set=g.1095132992196228
In the vast expanse of the Kalahari Desert, Laurens van der Post encountered a profound truth about connection. When he confided to the Bushmen that he could not hear the stars, their initial laughter quickly morphed into a somber disbelief. For the indigenous people, silence toward the cosmos was more than a deficiency; it was akin to spiritual deafness, a severance from the rhythmic pulse of the universe.
In Bushmen culture, every tree, breeze, and celestial body resonates with a distinct voice, creating a cosmic symphony for those who choose to listen. In stark contrast, van der Post, a product of modernity, perceived silence as normal—a tragic disconnect. His experience unveiled a deep cultural chasm: industrialized society often measures and categorizes, while indigenous traditions seek harmony and participation in nature’s dialogue.
This encounter serves as a poignant reminder of what may be lost in the relentless pursuit of progress. In our modern world, we risk drifting away from the capacity to hear not only with our physical senses but with our very souls. The Bushmen’s wisdom invites reflection, urging a reconnection with the world that surrounds us—a world alive with sound, song, and spirit. Would we, too, become attuned to the celestial chorus?