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Pawn The King

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The Pawn or the King?
A contradictory pair exists in the psyche of humanity. We somehow believe that we are both the metaphorical center of the universe and involved in some greater plan over which we have no control or no significant effect. The 1951 movie The Day the Earth Stood Still, directed by Robert Wise, shows both of these ideas: the existence of a higher power in the form of a more intelligent alien race and the self-importance placed upon a people by themselves-specifically a nation. The dichotomy between humanity’s egoism and its desire to shun responsibility prevents us from fully accepting one or the other. Egoism is not a uniquely human characteristic. However, it is something humanity takes to the next level. Primates and other hierarchal animals express the innate nature that is self-interest. For male lions, this self-interest is the only thing that keeps them alive. Contrary to popular belief, it is the female lion-the lioness-that forms the foundation of the pride. The lioness does the hunting, the nurturing, and the defending of the pride. Male lions have slim chances of survival on their own, and unlike the lioness, genetic (or familial) ties do not keep it in the pride. When ousted, they must fight for, scavenge or even steal food. The final goal of the male lion is to become part of a pride, as their escort, performing duties but also securing food for itself. A male lion will fight males in the pride for their positions of security. Its individual

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