The Old Man in the Moon smiles wryly thinking that the human species was the only one given reason, yet the cows in the meadow show greater wisdom.
The Wisdom of the Cow
The friendly herbivore the cow is among nature’s greatest philosophers.
Some are very quick learners, while others are a little slower.
But he or she, as you will, is a lover of peace,
aggressive not by nature but only when necessary.
Being gregarious cows enjoy company and
tolerate other species who live differently.
They share their meadow with other creatures
birds, goats, sheep, chickens, pigs, donkeys, mules, and horses.
They even welcome deer to their pasture.
Any nonaggressive creature is welcome.
They are massive creatures yet graceful gentle giants.
They are gently curious but not overly so.
Never greedy, they are content wherever grass grows.
They live stoically without complaint
nobly enduring snow, wind, and rain.
Unless one of their fellows dies,
then they lament mooing mournfully.
Buddha-like they enjoy the simple life,
nonaggressive at heart unless aggressed, startled, or stressed.
Unlike humans they don’t make enemies among their own.
Cows have enemies but are not enemies to others.
They even serve as protectors of lesser creatures
such as goats and sheep threatened by hungry predators.
They enjoy just being in the world
with family and companions
and enough of grass for grazing.
Neither reason nor ideology is needed.
Nor God to create enemies
where none existed before.
William Shayer (1787–1879)
