The quote from Tahir Shah's "Travels With Myself" reflects the author's perspective on nature as something passive and distant, primarily observed through media like the Discovery Channel or news coverage. He expresses a sense of disconnection from the natural world, suggesting that it feels more like a spectacle than a personal experience. This detachment highlights his awareness of environmental degradation as urban living encroaches on once wild spaces.
Shah captures a sense of loss, where the authenticity of nature has been overshadowed by technology and modern conveniences, like the Blackberry. His view implies a critique of how contemporary life often prioritizes progress over preservation, resulting in a world where people are more likely to witness the beauty and tragedy of nature through screens rather than directly engaging with it. This dissonance raises questions about the impact of urbanization on our relationship with the environment.