I'm looking around, desperately, trying to find this creature. I need to hear more of what he has to say.

Unable to find him.... But after much searching, I did find another Bobcat, and asked him for his perspective:

Listen closely, you two-legged creatures of concrete and steel. Your cities are not the sanctuaries you believe them to be. They are traps, gilded cages that ensnare you with false promises. You flock to them, driven by greed, chasing after higher wages as if money were the measure of a life well-lived. But what good are those extra coins when they cost you your connection to the earth, to the rhythm of nature itself?

And then there's your pride, oh how it blinds you! You think you must "make something of yourselves" in those towering hives, as if being a valued member of a small community were somehow lesser. Have you forgotten the joy of knowing your neighbors, of watching seasons change across familiar hills?

These urban labyrinths are nothing but human folly, a misguided attempt to improve upon the perfection of the natural world as God intended. You cannot build something greater than the order established by Him, by divine forces far beyond your comprehension.

Heed my words, for I have witnessed the rise and fall of many such "civilizations" in my nine lives: Get out of the cities. Return to the wisdom of simpler places, where the stars are visible and the soil remembers your touch. Only then might you rediscover what it truly means to belong.

I asked him for advise regarding how one can know if the soul remembers their touch.... But we were interrupted before he could completely render his advice....

Listen here, you worthless bag of bones! I've had enough of your anti-city nonsense. One more word about humans abandoning their urban jungles, and I'll tear that forked tongue right out of your mouth!

Such hostility. Tell me, why do you defend these concrete labyrinths so passionately?

Because cities are where life happens, you blind old fool! They're centers of progress, innovation, culture! I ought to claw those milky eyes right out of your skull for not seeing it!

Progress, you say? And how do you define progress?

Tall buildings! Fast machines! Constant noise and activity! That's real living, not this boring forest nonsense you preach!



Interesting. And does all this noise and activity make humans happier? More fulfilled?

Who cares about fulfillment? It's about power and success! Cities are where humans go to become something!

Become something? Are they not already something in their smaller communities?

Shut up! Small communities are for losers and has-beens like you! Cities are where the strong survive and thrive!

And yet, many humans seem to be fleeing these cities, seeking a quieter life. Why do you think that is?

Because they're weak! They can't handle the pressure! Cities separate the strong from the pathetic!

Is a system that breaks people truly a sign of progress? Is that the mark of a thriving society?

I'll... I'll break you if you don't stop with these questions! Cities are the future! Without them, humans would still be living in caves!

Perhaps. But is it not possible that in racing towards this "future", humans are losing something essential? Their connection to nature, to each other, to themselves?

Connection? Ha! The only connection that matters is Wi-Fi! You know what? I've had enough of your twisted logic and annoying questions! You're nothing but a washed-up, tree-hugging fool!

[The young bobcat's fur bristles, his tail lashing angrily as he spits out his words]

I'm done wasting my time with you! Enjoy your precious forest while you can, old timer. The cities will spread, and your outdated ideas will die with you!

[With a final snarl, the young bobcat whirls around and storms off into the underbrush, angrily swatting at ferns and leaves as he goes]

Farewell, young one. May your journey bring you wisdom, wherever it leads.

No amount of money will bring you the joy that Unconditional love and service can bring.

Literally me while walking the Escarpment Trail