This morning on our daily walk, my child and I went to the zoo.  We hold annual memberships to local museums as well.  Once we arrived there, we took our usual rounds.  First there is the noble horse, then the courageous lion, finally the cowardly rabbit.  Yet there was a new animal today.  This bipedal primate was in its own enclosure with the highest security.  It had its own alarm, heat sensor, armed guard, and razor wire.

Once we passed the weapons and bomb search, we approached the warnings:

DO NOT FEED THIS ANIMAL

KEEP ALL APPENDAGES AWAY FROM IT

DO NOT ALLOW ANY TECHNICAL DEVICES INTO ITS POSSESSION

KEEP PENCIL AND PAPER WAY FROM THIS BEAST

NEVER LOOK INTO ITS EYES…

The list went on.  We had to see this formidable menace so dangerous that it could not even have writing implements.  Was it hideous?  Was it maimed or destructive?  What was it?

Slowly we approached the double-paneled Plexiglas enclave.  Hmmmm….It did not look very dangerous.  No claws.  No armor.  No horns or thorns.  Nothing seemed to justify the menacing warnings and extensive security.  It had soft skin and soft hair.  In fact, it was quite disappointing.

My child barely gave it two glances, saying, “I thought this was the most ravenous and dangerous beast in the zoo?”  “It does not look very scary or threatening to me.”

I answered, “The sign says it all”

‘This is man.  His seemingly innocuous and non-threatening demeanor is what makes him so dangerous.  It always starts simply, but he consumes and destroys everything he touches.  His penchant for generosity is only matched by his insatiable appetite for consumption.’