For Being In The Water Is The Fish Less Than The Bird In The Air – Cheikh Hamidou Kane
The quote above can be interpreted as a reflection on the inherent value and uniqueness of different beings within their respective environments.
Just as a fish is perfectly suited for life in the water, a bird is perfectly suited for life in the air. Neither is “less than” the other;
they are simply different, each excelling in their own element.
When we consider this in the context of perspectives and the saying “the grass is greener on the other side,” it highlights how we often perceive others’ lives or situations as better or more desirable than our own, despite not fully understanding their challenges or context.
Just as a fish might seem limited compared to a bird, or vice versa, we might envy someone else’s circumstances without recognizing the value and uniqueness of our own position.
In essence, both phrases encourage appreciation of our own strengths and environments, rather than longing for what others have.
They remind us that different does not mean inferior, and that every situation has its own advantages and disadvantages, often hidden from an outside perspective.
