Encounter with a Mite

Encounter with a Mite

• The speaker encounters a tiny mite on a sheet of paper.
• The speaker initially intends to kill the mite with a pen but is captivated by its behavior.
• The mite demonstrates intelligence by moving with purpose, pausing, and seemingly smelling or drinking.
• The speaker observes the mite's fear and desperation as it tries to avoid being killed.
• The speaker, despite a personal lack of "collectivistic regimenting love," develops empathy for the mite.
• The speaker chooses to leave the mite alive and hopes it sleeps.
• The speaker celebrates the mite's display of mind, acknowledging the inherent value of intelligence in all forms.

The Encounter

• The speaker observes a tiny speck moving across a piece of paper.
• The speck is not dust, but a living mite with its own movements and intentions.
• The mite exhibits caution and fear when confronted by the speaker’s pen.
• It shows intelligence and a desire to survive, engaging in behaviors like drinking or smelling.
• The mite’s small size and lack of visible feet suggest a complex structure and internal mechanisms.
• The speaker recognizes the mite’s fear, cunning, and desperation for survival.
• The speaker contrasts their own individualism with the collectivist views of the modern world.
• Despite the minimal interaction, the speaker experiences a sense of connection and respect for the mite.
• The encounter reveals the speaker’s appreciation for the presence of mind in any form, even in the most unexpected places.

The Encounter

• The speaker is writing on a white paper sheet when they notice a 'mite' on the paper.
• The speaker initially considers it a dust speck but recognizes it as alive and having "inclinations".
• The mite acts independently of the speaker, showing curiosity and caution towards the pen.
• The mite shows a clear intent to survive by moving away from the drying ink and towards the undried part of the manuscript.
• The mite displays intelligence and a clear sense of self-preservation, despite its small size.
• The speaker observes the mite's fear, cunning, and eventual desperate acceptance of its fate.
• The speaker's reaction highlights a contrast between the "collectivistic regimenting love" that dominates the modern world and their individualistic perspective.
• The speaker chooses to allow the mite its life, despite its seemingly negligible existence.
• The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing individuality and valuing life, even in its simplest forms.
• The speaker expresses joy at finding even a small display of mind in a seemingly insignificant creature.