Seeing 2010 (#18)

For your consideration: fleeting, faint and ethereal as this form may appear to be, it is nonetheless a hot subject.

In days long gone I had a penchant for asking friends philosophical questions for entertainment and perhaps even enlightenment. One of those queries: What would you consider to be Man's greatest accomplishment?

(Note that this can be distinctly different from invention.)

My thinking is, the domestication of fire: it is the one "substance" (if it can be so labeled) which universally commands respect throughout the animal kingdom -- its power as a source of immense pain is readily and seemingly intuitively apparent. Consider then the courage, undoubtedly driven by the instinct for survival against cold, of the first humans' efforts to harness this unforgiving spirit. And this feat enabled the invention of clay tablets (language support), brick (sturdy shelter), smithing, steam plants, thrust for Man's lunar excursions, and birthday cake candles, for starters.

So: what say you?

Oxidation, #6179

© 2010 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.

(click image for larger version)

Details: January 30, 2010; Canon 20D; f/5.6 @ 1/3 sec; ± 0 EV; ISO 400; 45mm.

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