Garrison Keillor: 'Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a function.'

Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a function.

Cats are often seen as enigmatic creatures, captivating us with their grace, independence, and seemingly mysterious behavior. In his quote, Garrison Keillor reminds us that not everything in nature has a clear function, and cats serve as a prime example of this concept. They teach us to appreciate the beauty and elegance of nature without needing a specific purpose. However, beyond this straightforward interpretation lies a deeper philosophical concept - the idea of embracing the unknown and finding meaning in the absence of purpose.At first glance, it might be tempting to believe that everything in nature exists for a purpose. Bees pollinate flowers, trees provide shade and oxygen, and animals serve various ecological roles. Yet, cats defy this conventional wisdom. They do not have a designated role in nature like a predator, scavenger, or pollinator. They roam freely, often pursuing their own interests, seemingly indifferent to any particular purpose. However, this does not diminish their intrinsic value or the lessons they can impart upon us.In a world obsessed with productivity and efficiency, cats teach us the importance of simply being. They remind us that life should not solely revolve around achieving goals or fulfilling specific functions. Instead, they invite us to appreciate the present moment, to find joy in the simplest of pleasures, and to embrace the beauty of existence without attaching it to a predefined purpose.When we delve deeper into this idea, an unexpected philosophical concept emerges - existentialism. According to this school of thought, the universe lacks inherent meaning or purpose, and individuals are responsible for creating their own meaning in life. Cats perfectly embody this philosophy. They do not search for external meaning or validation; they find contentment in their existence itself.In contrast to cats, humans often grapple with the existential question of finding meaning and purpose in life. We search for answers, create narratives, and seek validation from external sources. However, the very nature of cats challenges this quest. They prompt us to consider whether external validation or an assigned purpose is essential for a fulfilling existence.Perhaps one of the lessons we can learn from cats is that not everything needs a purpose to be meaningful. We may find solace in embracing the unknown, engaging in activities simply because they bring us joy, and seeking fulfillment in the very act of living. By observing cats, we can let go of the pressure to constantly justify ourselves, and instead, revel in the beauty of existence without the need for a specific function or purpose.In a world that often demands efficiency and productivity, cats serve as a gentle reminder that not everything needs to have a function to be valuable. They teach us to appreciate the intrinsic worth of things, to find joy in the moments that are seemingly purposeless, and to embrace the beauty of existence itself. So let us learn from our feline friends and uncover a sense of fulfillment in the absence of apparent purpose, for life's greatest adventures often lie in the unknown.