“Look beneath the surface; let not the several quality of a thing nor its worth escape thee.” — Marcus Aurelius
Macro photography often plunges us into a universe otherwise overlooked, compelling us to see the world from a different perspective. Upon close examination of two Eastern Lubber grasshoppers engaged in the act of mating, a universe of intimate details and emotions unfolds. Their large, strikingly black bodies entwined in a dance as old as time itself.
In this moment, a significant yet humble realization: these creatures, often perceived as mundane by the hasty observer, are carriers of legacies. With every act of mating, they’re ensuring the survival of their species, passing on genetic memories, and, in the grand scheme of things, playing their part in the intricate web of life.
Stoic philosophy emphasizes the understanding and acceptance of the natural order of things. Epictetus once remarked, “Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.” This profound thought can be seen mirrored in the intimate embrace of the grasshoppers. Bound by nature’s call, they engage in an act without hesitance or remorse, driven by the sheer inevitability of their existence.
While many might just see two insects, a Stoic observer can discern a lesson in nature’s simplicity. We often find ourselves tormented by societal expectations, past regrets, or future anxieties, while these grasshoppers exemplify being rooted firmly in the present, responding to the immediate call of nature.
Seneca, in his writings, often alluded to the ephemeral nature of life and the importance of living authentically: “Life is not one thing after another but the same thing over and over.” The cyclical nature of life — be it in humans or in grasshoppers — is a testament to this thought. Just as these insects are engaged in an act that has been repeated for millennia, we too find ourselves in patterns, some innate and others learned.
The macro photo serves as a reflection, a moment frozen in time, urging us to ponder upon our role in this vast universe. Are we so different from these Eastern Lubber grasshoppers? Perhaps in appearance, but in essence, we’re all driven by innate desires, seeking connections, ensuring our legacies, and playing our part in the great dance of existence.
Concluding this reflection, one is reminded of a line from Marcus Aurelius: “Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” Even in the intricate details of two mating grasshoppers, we can find the universe’s beauty, if only we take a moment to truly see.
