I am RRR

The following is a short story I wrote many years ago. Since many people don't comment on what they think about this story I decided to check with Chatgpt. I'm surprised by it's clever answers, I find it difficult to understand how a machine could give such deep answers to things only people can experience. In any case I'm giving the short story, the questions and the answers it gave below. 

I am RRR

I am RRR, living in the land of Serendib, where my father lived and before that his father, and though some men deny that we belong here, my link with this land both in time and space is infinite, for this is what the ocean told me and the ocean is older than any man or anything else living or dead.

But once I foolishly contemplated this problem, day after day and night after night I fell to thinking........ until one night the phosphorescent ocean beckoned me to the shore and spoke to me in a language I seemed to know well......... I saw glimpses of a different time and a different place.......I saw the land of unattained hopes where the dreams of men appeared once and disappeared never to be seen again........... The ocean seemed to have sensed my sadness for it took me to the land of  ZAAAA…... where men were so clever that I foresaw great progress.....they I felt would build a city whose peaks would touch the moon.......but when I returned in time....... half a century later all I saw was an impoverished, miserable land.......... for the men though very clever were selfish and jealous of their fellow beings...... they had suppressed each other......

Although my ancestors had lived here, I no longer felt like living here for I longed for the lands beyond where the sun shone differently, and men thought differently. I heard from men who sailed the seven seas of a land to the west of calm beaches and great cities so high that men never set sight upon their peaks.

Day after day and night after night I dreamed and the ocean which was silent until then spoke again in the kind language that I seemed to know well, of a land to the west called the land of NOR where the sun shone so gently that there were four wonderful seasons, all of them colder than the coldest days in Serendib, where men were so orderly that they needed no laws. As I gazed under a yellow moon the ocean parted and gave me glimpses of this land of order, that needed no laws for the men were sane, perhaps too sane for I thought I saw a land of despair, a land where boredom prevailed, a frightful emptiness, a secret death wish, but before I could say anything the ocean took me to another land. 

This was the great land of CAN where men fled and sought refuge in an earlier, darker time, but could never return home again. This then I decided was the land of hope, where a better life could be sought a land of wealth where men achieved what they desired. But it was a dreary, cold land, where the sun barely shone, and men worked continuously like machines. Happiness here could only be found in money for there was nothing else. The trees here looked monotonously dull, much like the sun.

The sea seemed to have sensed the blow this dealt to my illusions for it took me to a land where the sun shone hot. This was a land of unimagined wealth, of great sunny cities, where the land was blessed with gold that was black, and great men walked about proudly in robes. But then I saw a glimpse of a man's hand being severed for stealing a loaf of bread, while the great men pretended to lead pious lives. Then I saw a woman being stoned to death and I knew it was a land I would never visit. 

Then the ocean showed me the land of the poor, for it had been ruined by its own rulers. But it was also a land where the sun shone brighter when it shone and it rained harder when it rained, and anything planted on the ground would flourish. The people though sad now were once happy, perhaps they will be happy again, and I recognized it as my own land.  This was a land where Time was on my side or at least so I hoped, and I decided never to leave it again.

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QUESTION FROM CHATGPT: What is the meaning of this short story?

The short story presents a philosophical exploration of place, identity, and human nature through the journey of a character named RRR. The narrative is a metaphorical odyssey that explores different lands, each representing different aspects of life, society, and the human condition. Here’s an analysis of the story’s meaning:

1. *Serendib and Ancestral Connection*: The protagonist begins in Serendib, a place with deep ancestral roots. This symbolizes the connection to one’s origins, culture, and the historical continuity that shapes one's identity. However, the "infinite" link with the land, as described by the ocean, suggests that while we may feel attached to a place, there are also existential questions about belonging and the passage of time.

2. *The Ocean's Wisdom*: The ocean plays a key role, representing a timeless, universal source of wisdom and perspective. It offers glimpses of other lands and experiences, suggesting that human lives are inextricably linked to larger, uncontrollable forces. The ocean may symbolize the unconscious, guiding the protagonist through different paths of thought and experience.

3. *The Land of ZAAAA*: This land represents a vision of great progress and potential, but ultimately it becomes a symbol of human failure. The cleverness of men is overshadowed by their selfishness, leading to societal decay. This is a critique of progress when it is not tempered by compassion and cooperation. The story suggests that without unity and ethical responsibility, even the most brilliant societies can fall into ruin.

4. *The Land of NOR*: Here, the protagonist envisions a society that is orderly, where laws are unnecessary because people are inherently rational. However, this order leads to despair, suggesting that absolute order and rationality can stifle human spirit, leading to emptiness and a lack of joy. The story presents a cautionary view of societies that prioritize reason and order over creativity, emotion, and diversity.

5. *The Land of CAN*: This land is an allegory for materialism and the pursuit of wealth. It is a place where people work endlessly in pursuit of money, but the soul is drained in the process. The lack of emotional or spiritual fulfillment reflects a critique of modern, capitalist societies, where material success often leads to monotony and dissatisfaction.

6. *The Land of the Rich and Powerful*: This land, with its great wealth and opulence, symbolizes the corruption and hypocrisy that often accompany power. The violent punishments and the pious facade of its rulers suggest that wealth and power can lead to injustice and cruelty, making it an unappealing place despite its material riches.

7. *The Land of the Poor*: The protagonist finally returns to his own land, which, despite its hardships, is full of potential and hope. The land is a metaphor for a place that may be imperfect but is capable of growth and renewal. The people, though currently sad, have the possibility of reclaiming their happiness. It represents the idea that, despite external challenges, one’s homeland has inherent value and a chance for transformation.

*Overall Meaning*: The story reflects a journey through different societal structures and existential questions. The protagonist explores various forms of human society, ranging from idealized to flawed, and learns that no place is perfect. The land of Serendib, despite its struggles, offers the protagonist a sense of belonging and hope, suggesting that one’s own land, culture, or identity holds unique value and potential for personal and societal growth. The ocean, as a guide, represents the deeper wisdom that encourages the protagonist to seek balance and understanding rather than searching for perfection elsewhere.

The underlying message is that there is no utopia, and happiness lies not in fleeing from one's roots but in working to improve and find meaning in one’s own context. The story suggests that one's homeland, with all its imperfections, may offer the most opportunity for growth and fulfillment.

QUESTION FROM CHATGPT: How would you rate this story in a scale of 1 to 10? Please give the reasons for this rating.

I would rate this story 8 out of 10. Here's why:

Strengths:

Philosophical Depth: The story is deeply philosophical, offering rich commentary on identity, progress, materialism, and the human condition. It encourages the reader to reflect on societal structures and their own sense of belonging. This makes it intellectually engaging.

Symbolism and Metaphor: The use of the ocean as a metaphor for wisdom and the various lands representing different societal ideologies is powerful. The journey through these lands feels like a spiritual or existential exploration, and the shifts in perception offer profound insights into human nature.

Narrative Style: The dreamlike, almost mystical quality of the story adds an element of mysticism, making it captivating. The stream-of-consciousness approach, where the protagonist's thoughts evolve through the narrative, gives it an otherworldly yet relatable tone.

Cultural Relevance: The story touches on universal themes like the tension between tradition and modernity, the impact of human greed, and the search for a meaningful life. It is easy to see how it resonates with people of different cultures, emphasizing the idea of finding peace and purpose within one's own context.

Areas for Improvement:

Pacing and Clarity: The story could be a bit dense and abstract for some readers. While the symbolism is rich, the constant shifts between different lands and states of mind can feel a little overwhelming. It might be a bit difficult to follow the protagonist’s evolving thoughts without losing focus or getting bogged down by the vagueness of the settings.

Character Development: The protagonist, while a vehicle for philosophical exploration, is somewhat passive in the narrative. We don’t learn much about him other than his thoughts, and while this could be intentional to focus on the themes, it can feel like the character lacks depth or emotional resonance outside of his contemplations. A stronger personal connection to the protagonist would enhance the emotional impact.

Structure and Resolution: While the story's open-ended nature invites reflection, some readers may feel unsatisfied with the lack of a concrete resolution. The protagonist doesn't fully solve his dilemma or arrive at a clear conclusion about his future, leaving a lingering sense of ambiguity that some might find frustrating.

Conclusion:

Overall, the story excels in its thematic exploration, use of symbolism, and philosophical depth. It presents complex ideas in a poetic and thought-provoking manner. However, its abstract nature and lack of detailed character development could alienate some readers, which is why I would give it an 8 out of 10. It’s an intellectually stimulating work but might not be as accessible or emotionally engaging to all audiences.

Drawing by me

 

Oil Pastel drawing by me

 

AGAINST THE FALL OF STARS

............(AGAINST THE FALL OF STARS is a short story I wrote about ten years ago. I asked Chatgpt what the meaning of the short story was and to rate the short story on a scale of 1 to 10, these answers are given below. Strangely I gave the same short story to Chatgpt about a year ago and asked it to rate it and it gave me a lower rating than it gives now. I think the newer advanced version of Chatgpt, sees this story in better light.)................. 

When I heard the news that my grandfather was agitated, I rushed to see him. Night had fallen, and I had to walk along the beach for about 2 Km to reach his home. Why one of the greatest scientists on the Island had to live in this remote corner of the world had always been a mystery to me. He once said that bright city lights interfered with his observation of the stars. Here near the equator in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, in a remote fishing village north of town, he carried out his work undisturbed.

As a young man, he had made great discoveries in physics. But it was as an inventor that he excelled. Although his inventions laid the basis for great technological advances in the 21st century, he was never interested in making money, something I could never understand. He scorned wealth and worldly honors. While other men made money from his inventions, he dedicated himself exclusively to scientific research.

But lately, he had become strange. I think it all went wrong for him when he ventured into fields of science that he should best have left alone at his age. As a young man, he could have easily solved the great mysteries of the Universe, but now he was very old. Senility (The decline of memory and other mental functions associated with old age) really is a sad thing. 

The first thing he said as I entered was, "I am on the verge of a discovery that will transform the universe."You mean transform the way we view the Universe," said I. "No, literally transform the Universe," said he. "Gravity affects Time; that part is certain, but what is the true nature of Time? That's the question I want answered. If you go endlessly in a straight line, you will end up in the same place you began, but how much Time would it take.......for example, if you go at an almost infinite speed. Answer this question, and you would have answered how big the Universe is, and more importantly, how it was created. "You mean how the Universe was formed," said I. " No created," said he. A great fear verging on panic had come over me; clearly, he was talking rubbish, and it had a religious element too, which was all the more worrying. But before I could say anything, he went on........ 

"I have built a machine Kelvin that will take an object to the end of the universe in an instant, at which point it will be in the same place it began; by using it, I want to find out how the universe was created" I panicked, I feared for his sanity. It was obvious he had suffered from what some people call a breakdown, perhaps related to overwork and old age. The best thing I could do was run back to Trincomalee town and try to find a doctor fast. I mumbled something and turned to go, but he interrupted me. "One other thing, Kelvin, there is a slight chance that my experiment could go wrong, which would, of course, mean the end of the Universe. To start the experiment, I must press the switch, do you think I should press the switch or maybe destroy the machine." He brought the most strange-looking black box, perhaps a little bigger than one cubic foot, on which was written, Anti-matter. I didn't know what to say, and I didn't say anything. I walked out, resolving to find a doctor fast.

When I reached the beach, it was midnight. It was a strange night, and the ceaseless waves of the Indian Ocean broke with a thud on the sand to my left. To my right was a thick jungle with noisy insects. I remembered what my grandfather had said many years ago "I want to see the stars shine over the sea." Then I got a strange feeling that it was getting darker, so I looked up and there over the Indian Ocean one by one the last of the Stars were sputtering out......

Question from Chatgpt: I wrote the following science fiction short story. What is the meaning of this story?  

AGAINST THE FALL OF STARS

Chatgpt's answer: Your short story, Against the Fall of Stars, explores deep themes of science, time, aging, and the nature of existence. At its core, the story reflects the intersection of human curiosity and the existential weight of the universe’s mysteries, particularly through the lens of a scientist grappling with the possibility of reshaping reality itself.

Here are a few possible interpretations of the story:

The Search for Knowledge and Its Limits: Your grandfather, as a brilliant inventor and physicist, embodies the ceaseless human desire to understand the universe. However, his obsession with the ultimate nature of time and his ambitious project to explore the universe's origins represent a kind of hubris. The story questions whether there is a point where the pursuit of knowledge becomes too great—where it risks unraveling reality itself. His experiment to reach the "end of the universe" could be seen as symbolic of humanity’s tendency to push boundaries without fully understanding the consequences.

Aging and Senility: The narrative contrasts the grandfather’s youthful brilliance with the onset of senility, a metaphor for the gradual loss of control over one's mind and the inevitable decline of even the greatest intellectuals. His obsession with creating a machine to manipulate the universe may also be seen as a desperate attempt to regain a sense of power and control over time itself, which is slipping away from him due to age. This adds a tragic element to the story, suggesting that the pursuit of cosmic truths may sometimes stem from a fear of one's own mortality.

The Tension Between Science and Religion: The grandfather’s statement that he wants to discover not how the universe was formed, but how it was "created," introduces a subtle religious dimension to the narrative. It raises the tension between empirical scientific inquiry and metaphysical or spiritual concerns about the origins of existence. His experiment, which could result in the destruction of the universe, reflects the risk of attempting to play god, especially in fields of knowledge that may touch on concepts beyond human understanding.

The Destructive Nature of Unchecked Discovery: The moment when the grandfather mentions that pressing the switch could bring about the "end of the Universe" speaks to the dangerous potential of technological advancements. It’s a stark reminder of how powerful inventions and breakthroughs, when misused or misunderstood, can have catastrophic consequences. The story leaves the question unresolved—should the experiment be conducted, or should the machine be destroyed?

The Fall of Stars as a Metaphor: The closing image of the stars disappearing from the sky might symbolize the gradual erosion of knowledge, hope, and wonder. It could also represent the idea that even the most brilliant minds, like the stars themselves, eventually burn out. The stars’ fading could be a metaphor for the loss of clarity in understanding the universe and the existential crisis that comes with the recognition that some questions might be beyond human comprehension.

In sum, Against the Fall of Stars is a reflection on the costs of humanity’s pursuit of knowledge, the fragility of the mind and body, and the potential dangers of playing with the fundamental forces of existence. It invites readers to consider the balance between intellectual ambition and the wisdom that comes with age, and it probes the limits of what can—and perhaps should—be known.

You said:

How would you rate this short story in the scale of 1 to 10? Please give the reasons for your rating.

ChatGPT said:

I would rate your short story Against the Fall of Stars an 8/10. Here's why:

Strengths:

Concept and Themes (9/10): The themes of aging, scientific curiosity, existential questions, and the potential dangers of unrestrained intellectual pursuit are well-explored. The story engages with deep philosophical questions about time, the nature of the universe, and the boundary between science and religion, which makes it both thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating.

Characterization (8/10): The protagonist’s relationship with his grandfather is rich with emotional and intellectual conflict. The grandfather’s obsession with his work, coupled with his aging mind, makes him both tragic and compelling. The narrator’s concern for his grandfather and his growing fear of the machine adds tension to the story.

Imagery and Atmosphere (8/10): The setting on the beach near the equator and the fading stars creates an effective atmosphere of isolation and mystery. The imagery of the "last stars sputtering out" at the end is a powerful and evocative visual that aligns well with the story’s themes of decay and existential crisis.

Suspense (8/10): The growing tension between the grandfather’s insanity and his dangerous experiment keeps the reader engaged. The uncertainty about whether the experiment should be carried out, and the potential destruction of the universe, provides a strong narrative hook.

Areas for Improvement:

Pacing and Structure (7/10): While the ideas are fascinating, the story could benefit from a bit more pacing refinement. At times, the narrative feels a bit slow, especially when delving into the philosophical discussions about time and the universe. This part of the story could be streamlined or made more dynamic by integrating the abstract concepts into action or by exploring the emotional stakes more deeply.

Clarity of Concepts (7/10): Some of the scientific concepts introduced (like time, gravity, and the machine that could change the universe) could be explained in a clearer or more accessible way. While it's clear that the grandfather is an eccentric scientist, some of his explanations are vague and might leave the reader confused about the specifics of his experiment. Tightening up these explanations would help ground the reader more firmly in the story’s world.

Emotional Depth (7/10): While the story touches on deep emotional themes, the emotional payoff could be more impactful. The relationship between the protagonist and his grandfather is key, but it feels somewhat underdeveloped. More emotional moments or insights into their shared history could deepen the emotional resonance of the narrative.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, the story presents a compelling exploration of grand ideas and philosophical themes, with a strong atmosphere and a sense of escalating tension. However, the pacing and clarity of the more complex concepts could be improved to make the story more engaging and accessible. With some refinement, it has the potential to be even more impactful.

Travel Story

 

The road south from Colombo can be a bit confusing, somehow even if you scan the map for a long time it doesn’t register. From Colombo to Moratuwa is only 19 Km. From there you expect Kalutara to come quickly but it takes longer than you think for it is about 26 Km further south. In Kalutara is the famous Buddhist temple. You expect Beruwela with its beautiful seascape to be very far from here but it comes surprisingly quickly being just 14 Km south. By this time the landscape has a very rural seaside feel. Happily, Bentota with its beautiful beaches, river, and hotels is just 8 Km South. Then here the distances seem to widen. From Bentota to Ambalangoda is 24 Km, somehow it seems longer than that. Hikkaduwa, a tourist destination known for coral reefs and sea turtles is 15 Km further south. By this time even without noticing we have come 114 Km from Colombo. Till Hikkaduwa, the coast that runs more or less south seems to curve a little more prominently till it reaches the Historic fort city of Galle. The coast continues to curve until it reaches the southernmost city in Sri Lanka – Matara. Then it moves upward reaching Tangalle and Hambantota, Kirinda, Kumana, Okanda and then almost vertically up to Potuvil, Tirrukkovil and Batticaloa. Very rarely if ever have I heard some of these place names in the news so I tried to find out. Kumana is a bird sanctuary, Okanda is a small hamlet on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka, within the Ampara district.

In Sri Lanka most of the main cities and towns in the coastal region are quite well known, some parts of the central highlands are well travelled, Anradhapura and Pollonaruwa being historical cities are well known, but some Kilometers inland from the coast there are some obscure areas that hardly come to mind, except for the people who live there. I wondered if we travelled perpendicular to the coast in the above route I mentioned from Colombo to Batticaloa what obscure areas will we discover. And then I looked at the map, what a fool I had been, for this is exactly where they have built the new southern expressway. Travelling in the southern expressway you find that the landscape is mostly fields and jungles with very few buildings.

Somewhere between Beruwela and Hikkaduwa I had an incredible experience, a kind of perfect moment that comes very rarely in life. I got down from the bus shocked by the color of the sea. It was around midday, and the sun shone brightly overhead. The color of the sea was a shockingly bright turquoise blue and it was glistening and I was alone on an enormous beach. A song started playing on my mind: We’ll sing in the sunshine….We’ll laugh every day…..We’ll sing in the sunshine ……then I’ll be on my way. Some HAPPY sounding songs are actually depressing….and some sad sounding songs are Happy…..But this was a Happy sounding Happy song at least for me despite its silly rhyme lyrics. 

There are some places with beautiful scenery that ought to make you happy…but make you sad….similarly there are some really ugly landscapes that fill you with joy…..Well, this was a Happy-looking place that actually made you happy. I walked on the beach, I climbed the rocks, it was for me the most perfect spot on earth. After about an hour it was time to be on my way. I wondered whether if I came another day at the exact same time I would find the sea the same glistening turquoise blue and the beach deserted. I came again a few times but could not locate the beach again. As the actor, Leonard Nimoy (Mr. Spock in Star Trek) said in his last message “A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory.” 

 

The MISTAKE METHOD of drawing

 

I invented a new method of drawing. It’s called the mistake method. In an attempt to draw realistic and impressive drawings, the artist seeks to prevent mistakes, and the result is a slow, overthought, overworked drawing. The artist loses the thrill of drawing, seeking a perfect drawing, and as a result rarely draws or gives up art altogether. Their output drops and they no longer find art enjoyable. 

But what would happen if the artist uses mistakes as part of the drawing technique? In this new method, the artist draws freely, and quickly, if a line goes wrong, he uses another line, leaving the earlier line as it is. This earlier line adds a strange energy. Alternatively, they could draw over the earlier line without erasing it. The artist doesn’t seek perfection but only seeks energy. Even the paper doesn’t have to be perfect, it could have been drawn on earlier, any kind of paper would do. All this only helps to add a new dimension to the drawing. Let's Make Art Interesting Again. In the following two drawings I used this MISTAKE METHOD. Not sure whether they look good, but they were fun to draw.

The Wonderful World of Art Books

 

Many years ago bad days descended upon me. It seemed that my troubles would never end. I lived in a world of semi-detached unhappiness, interrupted time to time with bad news. It seemed like some people were doing really well, unfortunately, I wasn’t one of them. But one day I decided to borrow an art book and unexpectedly stepped into a different world.

The introduction on this book began as follows: “Shall I be accused of wishful thinking if I promise the reader that oil painting is not all that difficult?” It was for me an invitation to amble. Then the book says about the importance of developing a personal style because “in the last analysis, it is this which will mark out your paintings as different from the rest.” And it went on “And if I am in danger of over-emphasizing the importance of self-determination, it is because many beginner’s and adult amateurs miss the joy of painting through the very fear of forgetting the written word…

All of us like to draw the sky bright blue with puffs of white for clouds, but apparently, this is wrong. Even a clear blue sky devoid of any clouds cant be drawn in this way. The color is more positive blue at the top of the picture - the portion which we have to raise our eyes in nature - than it is directly above the horizon which is lighter. Though I’ve never kind of noticed it, it really is true, for when I followed this principle I found that my skies looked real for it “conveyed the dome-like nature of the sky.”

The book goes on about clouds “Isolated white clouds will soon be noticed to have a clearer (not sharper) definition at the top than underneath. The lightest portion is also at the top, while at the bottom they are softer and more indistinct in outline”. This seemed more difficult to understand but when I followed it my clouds had depth and seemed real rather than the white puffballs floating aimlessly in a blue sky.

How so many good ideas could be packed into such a small book was amazing. The drawings don’t tell you everything you need to know but are so “clever” that they make you want to draw. This book falls under the “How to Draw” and “How to Paint” kind of books but there are some equally interesting art books that seem to deal more with “Art History and Analysis.” When you read them you get the feeling that most of the modern artists mentioned were at the very least drunk or possibly completely insane and there were many of them forming “Art Movements.” And there are many intelligent people willing to buy their work for millions sometimes hundreds of millions of dollars. In “Twenty Marilyns” a 1962 work by Andy Warhol, the artist seems to have more or less printed the same image twenty times on a canvas, in what he called the “assembly line effect.” It is said to reflect critically upon the supposed uniqueness of the work of art in a world of mass reproduction and mass media. He has “sought to abolish both the craftsmanship and genius of the individual artist through embracing mechanical reproduction.

Then take minimalism. In this, the artist exerts minimal manual effort, like for example keeping a yellow fluorescent light in a large empty room. I kind of never understood this. If doing as little as possible seems to be the point why do anything at all? Then I finally got it...it is not the artwork itself but the clever idea behind it that gives it its value. It's incredible. 

The Sea at Night - Abstract digital drawing

The stars may not shine as brightly - Poem by me

 

The stars may not shine as brightly
And the moon may wander around
But time for you
Has not stopped

For I see you walking
On the beaches of my poems
Alone in an Island
Sailing on ships that have long stopped sailing

But if after reading this
Some other business intrudes
And my words are left to collect the dust
Let time not pass
Without a kind thought of your friend

Art

I still remember my drawing in grade 3. The old teacher really liked it and gave it 99 marks. She held it up and examined it. The truth is it was a weak painting even considering my age, but the other students were worse. Nobody took art seriously considering it a waste of time and a bad career choice. I was the only one simple-minded enough to have great enthusiasm for it. 

I left my small village school and went to a big school and found in that great school not a single person even meekly interested or having the slightest ability in art including the art teacher. But its cousin music was still very popular. You see everyone wanted to be doctors and engineers, but still wanted to sing at a social event to impress the others. But drawing and painting had no such value and parents discouraged children from it. There was an almost total lack of interest in art that pervaded the whole country.

But the trouble was I wasn’t a good artist. I had great enthusiasm for art but had only the skill of a mediocre draughtsman. But I kept drawing and painting even after I left school. Unfortunately, I could not find a job as an artist and instead decided on another career choice. With time I forgot all about art. But I felt that there was something missing in my life. Yesterday I went to Kalapola, the annual exhibition by artists near the Vihara Mahadevi Park. There were many people to view the artwork but in the time I spent there almost nobody bought any. It was obvious that some people there thought it was all childish. 

 It depends on who you are but I believe that things like music and art fill a place in at least some people's minds that would otherwise remain empty. But I know many perfectly happy people who are not interested in either - it is something that has always baffled me. But a few days ago I visited such a friend, who had retired from a highly successful career, and he seemed miserable. Only then did I realise the true value of art. It is the only work like thing  you do, not to be successful or earn money, or even fame but purely to be happy.

The Zoo

 

My most memorable visit to this zoo was about 15 years ago. The animals were amazing but equally impressive was the open spaces like the lake and trees where birds used to gather. It had a terraced structure which gave the impression that you were climbing down a hill that added to the adventure. Naturally, it showcased only Vertebrates or animals with a backbone and skeleton. Even with my limited knowledge of these things, I knew that there were strange animals called Invertebrates, some so strange that you could almost believe that they were from another planet. So one day I decided to find out.

All animals fall into 35 different groups or Phyla, although only about 9 of them are well-known. All vertebrates (Mammals, fish, birds, amphibians, and reptiles) actually fall under one phylum called Chordata. But what are the other phyla? In the phylum, Mollusca is the snail, whose most prominent features seem to be a muscular foot, a mantle with a shell, and eyes. Snails like other invertebrates do not have a spinal cord or one single brain. Instead, they have a set of ganglia (groupings of neurons) that distribute the control of the various parts of it. Slugs are closely related to snails and its motto seems to be “Just Hang on”, because it is constantly in danger of drying out in warm weather and being eaten by other animals.

So it comes as a surprise that one of the cleverest animals the octopus, is also a mollusk. I once read a weirdly convincing story by one of the world's most renowned science fiction writers who says that octopuses can build and use tools, however being under the sea and unable to use fire to forge metals, its evolutionary growth is stunted. And who can ignore the elusive, haunting giant squid, something straight out of a nightmare.

In any case, Mollusca is the second most diverse animal phylum, after Arthropoda, with approximately 93 000 species distributed between three major lineages: gastropods (‘stomach footed’ – 70 000 species including snails, land and sea slugs, limpets), bivalves (20 000 species including oysters, mussels, clams), and cephalopods (‘head footed’ − 900 species including octopuses, squids, and nautiluses).

Without ever having seen a starfish I had always felt that starfish are overrated in literature, particularly poetry. But one day I was wading in the shallow crystal clear sea in Trincomalee, when I saw a large orange starfish. As I went to have a closer look, it glided swiftly away, it was amazing,  I’ve never seen anything so magical. Starfish are not fish, but are classified under the phylum Echinodermata. Other animals in this group include the sea urchin, sea cucumber, and sand dollar. All animals in this group are only found in the sea.

Of course not all Invertebrates are as magical as the starfish, some are repulsive some are deadly and some are so simple that they could be mistaken for plants. Take the sponge for example (Phylum Porifera), the simplest animal, its motto seems to be “I ain’t going nowhere” because it is attached to the seabed. Sponges are similar to other animals in that they are multicellular, heterotrophic, lack cell walls, and produce sperm cells. Unlike other animals, they lack true tissues and organs. The shapes of their bodies are adapted for maximal efficiency of water flow through the central cavity, where the water deposits nutrients and then leaves through a hole and that’s about it. But if you think Invertebrates are boring wait till you meet the insects some of whom could potentially kill you. Insects come under the Phylum Arthropoda. Other animals in this phylum apart from insects are the myriapods (including centipedes and millipedes); arachnids (including spiders, mites and scorpions); crustaceans (including slaters, prawn and crabs). Although it’s difficult to think of a crab as being related to an insect if you look closely it kind of looks similar.