Upright and proud, its chest lifted. He was watching me. The rooster had positioned itself between me and the hen to protect her. I was in Limburg for a weekend of relaxation and had no intention of going hen-hunting. The hen and the rooster had nothing to fear.
The rooster was nonetheless making every effort he could: continuously seeking the best position and focused as a rooster can be. ‘Dear rooster,’ I addressed him in my mind. ‘Chill out, relax. What are you worried about?’ Only the rooster knew his goals and priorities, and perhaps the hen. But all his efforts were meaningless for the world beyond him, I mused, and, to be fair, also quite pointless.
Really a lot like people.
That thought was like a mental splash of cold water in my face. That my fluttering thoughts about the rooster and the hen would boomerang back to me caught me off guard. Studies and work keep us occupied. More than a little. What seems really important one moment may be rather unnecessary in the grand scheme of things the next. What am I getting worked up about? Considering our similarities, my disdain for the rooster and hen was misplaced.
Considering our similarities, my disdain for the rooster and hen was misplaced
Mostly, particularly at the university, our efforts have a greater impact on the world at large than those of the rooster. But stress, or overexertion to the point of back, neck and eye pain, is not required, all things considered. And feeling this wisdom in each fibre of your being is was a vacation can achieve.
You may be cramming for your resits, but the holidays are almost here—no more two-hour lectures. Your attention span can be curtailed. In keeping with this sentiment, I will keep it short: take a break and steer clear of rooster and hen comparisons. Have a great holiday!
Steven (25 )is doing a Master’s degree in Economics and Policy and enjoys hitting the squash court. He is always up for a game of squash and a good conversation. You can email him here.
