Intelligence
-
NOVA is currently running a great program on Cuttlefish. These mollusks are the most intelligent of the invertebrate species. Over time they have dispensed with all forms of body armor and now only rely on their intelligence to survive. They have the unique ability to rapidly change the color of their skin at will. I looked at many of the YouTube clips, but none of the ones I saw are anywhere near as colorful as the NOVA TV show.
Here is the Wikipedia article on cuttlefish: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuttle_fish
One of the marine biologists on the show said, “Intelligence is about adapting to new situations.” That little short statement really made me think. In fact I had to turn on the light next to the bed and write down that statement.
It made me go back and replay portions of the tape for the last 60 years.
Beginning grade school at age 5, later starting high school, managing to get through college and graduating with honors, being in the Army during the Vietnam war and in West Germany at that, moving to California on a motorcycle, then South Florida. Moving to Cajun country in South Louisiana, then to The Netherlands for fifteen years. Travelling all over Europe. Paris and London each probably 10 or 15 times, Stonehenge many times, Scotland, Ireland, Rome, Berlin, Copenhagen, etc.
-
Three marriages and one child along the way.
Becoming an amateur radio operator, a pilot and a scuba diver. Having a home darkroom back in the ancient era of chemicals and film emulsion. Transitioning to digital photography, getting fairly good at computer programming. Travelling extensively in Mexico, officially importing orchid plants for resale, and having a couple of orchid greenhouses. Backpacking in the Swiss Alps, the Guadalupe mountains, and in the Gila Wilderness. Scuba diving in the Caribbean, California, and in Europe. Learning how to snow ski and then snow camping-backpacking many times.
Now towards the end of this little journey retiring to the desert in West Texas where 90% of the population is Hispanic.
Yes, I can relate to what that marine biologist said: “Intelligence is about adapting to new situations.”
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
