What can we learn from birds, according to William Wordsworth’s poem ‘The Tables Turned’?
Yes, indeed, we can learn how to be wise from birds. By listening to the sweet music of the woodland linnet
or hearing how the throstle sings, we can let Nature be our Wisest Teacher.
‘The greatest wisdom comes from the smallest creatures. There is so much we can learn from birds.
Through twenty-two little lessons of wisdom inspired by how birds live,
this charming French book will help you spread your wings and soar.’
Photo:Amazon
‘We often need help from those smaller than us. Having spent a lifetime watching birds, Philippe and Élise – a French ornithologist and a philosopher – draw out the secret lessons that birds can teach us about how to live, and the wisdom of the natural world. Along the way you’ll discover why the robin is braver than the eagle, what the arctic tern can teach us about the joy of travel, and whether the head or the heart is the best route to love (as shown by the mallard and the penguin). By the end you will feel more in touch with the rhythms of nature and have a fresh perspective on how to live the fullest life you can.’
About the Authors
Philippe J. Dubois is an ornithologist and writer. He has been passionate about birds since he was a boy, and has travelled the world birdwatching. He is the author of a number of works on climate change and biodiversity and was the head of Delachaux and Niestlé, the oldest nature books publishing house in France.
Élise Rousseau has degrees in Literature and Philosophy, and is a journalist and author of several works on nature and animals. She has spent several years working to protect animals.
'Brilliant, magical and engrossing – I will never see birds the same way again.'- Peter Wohlleben, bestselling author of THE HIDDEN LIFE OF TREES
'A little gem. So much wisdom to be drawn from the feathered world of birds.' ― Raynor Winn, bestselling author of THE SALT PATH
'A charming, witty and thought-provoking look at the way bird behaviour can both reflect and influence the way we live our lives.' ― Stephen Moss (Naturalist and author)
'This little book does a beautiful job of inspiring awe for the capacities of birds and applying lessons from their lives to the struggles of humanity.' ― Wall Street Journal
It Takes a Wise Bird to Show Us the Path
Simorgh: Thirty Birds
The Wise Mythical Bird of Persia
‘In the famous epic Persian poem "Conference of the Birds," the birds of the world gather to decide who is to be their king. The hoopoe, the wisest of them all, suggests that they should find the legendary Simorgh, a mythical Persian bird. The hoopoe leads the birds, each of whom represent a human fault which prevents man from attaining enlightenment. When the group of thirty birds finally reach the dwelling place of the Simorgh, all they find is a lake in which they see their own reflection. They realize that they were the Simorgh (which in Persian literally means "thirty birds") all along. The leader they sought was each and every one of them.’
The Conference of the Birds - Simorgh, portrayed by Attar, The Persian Sufi Sage and Poet
Conference of the Birds.- Photo: images-amazon.com
‘Hundreds of birds embark on a perilous journey across seven treacherous valleys in search of a king who can right the wrongs in their world. They are led by the poet Attar, who has been transformed into a sharp-beaked, crested hoopoe. The troubles that spur them into flight — "Anarchy — discontent — upheaval! Desperate fights over territory, water, and food! Poisoned air! Unhappiness!" — are of course all too familiar in our world.’
Let the Wise Simorgh Brighten and Show You the Way
Stop, Look and Listen:
Learn from the Wise and Listen to the Birds
Photo:LiveYourNature
Listen and Learn from the Wise Ones!
Photo: pinterest
See also:
How to Read a Bird: A smart guide to what birds do and why
Photo and info: How to Read a Bird: A smart guide to what birds do and why
12 Birds to Save Your Life: Nature's Lessons in Happiness
Photo and info: 12 Birds to Save Your Life: Nature's Lessons in Happiness