What if the catalyst or the key to understanding creation lay somewhere in the immense mind of the whale? . . . Suppose if God came back from wherever it is he's been and asked us smilingly if we' d figured it out yet. Suppose he wanted to know if it had finally occurred to us to ask the whale. And then he sort of looked around and he said, "By the way, where are the whales?" -Cormac McCarthy, Of Whales and Men
The quote reflects on the mystery of creation and suggests that the vast intelligence of whales might hold the answers to our existential questions. It posits a hypothetical scenario where God returns to inquire whether humanity has sought wisdom from these majestic creatures. This notion implies that we might overlook profound insights that lie within nature itself, specifically in the minds of beings like whales.
This perspective challenges us to rethink our understanding of intelligence and consciousness in the animal kingdom. By emphasizing the significance of whales, the quote invites us to recognize the importance of all life forms in the search for knowledge about the universe and our existence. It raises an intriguing question about the communication between humans and other beings, suggesting that wisdom may be found in unexpected places.
