Life Finds A Way

This is obviously the companion piece to yesterday’s image, but while that photo made me reflect on the origins of the pilings, this one has me reflecting on a powerful concept – life finds a way. I expect most of us picture Jeff Goldblum saying that in the Jurassic Park movie, but this takes me back to when I first read the book. It was something of an eye-opener for me. I had actually read a book about chaos theory before I read Jurassic Park (“Chaos: Making a New Science“, by James Gleick), but Crichton’s novel Jurassic Park — although science fiction — was better able to draw out the implications of chaos theory in a real world context.

Dr. Malcom’s phrase “Life finds a way,” is the sort of idea — simple but powerful — that makes you put the book aside, stop reading, and think for a while. I remember this distinctly, and I happened to be living (and reading that book) in a building you can see from here on the Brooklyn waterfront. Because of the bokeh it is rather dark and indistinct, so I won’t try to point it out, but it’s there just the same. Seeing this plant growing and inexplicably thriving on these old pilings across the river brought it all back.

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This Post Has 9 Comments

  1. Dave DiCello

    24 Aug 2011

    Just watched that movie the other night for the first time in a while, so that’s crazy that you mention it! I really like this shot Mark, really cool find for sure, I love the DoF, what a great skyline!
    Dave DiCello recently posted..Candid New York – Part 2My Profile

  2. Chris Nitz

    24 Aug 2011

    This is such a moving photo. I am at a loss for words at the moment.
    Chris Nitz recently posted..Resting My EyesMy Profile

  5. Edith Levy

    24 Aug 2011

    Wonderful image Mark but you’ve made it more poignant by you’re writings.

  7. Toad Hollow Photography

    24 Aug 2011

    Profound and highly emotional post here today, Mark. Your picture is just astounding my friend, I love how you’ve processed it to bring the story you’re trying to share directly to life… if you’ll pardon the expression….
    Toad Hollow Photography recently posted..MacMillan Provincial Park (Cathedral Grove)My Profile

  8. Curt Fleenor

    24 Aug 2011

    Wonderful image and a thought provoking post Mark!

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