If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet
and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability
will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always
begins a flight from the ground with a run 10 to 12 feet. Without
space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but
will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.
The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkably nimble
creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is
placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about
helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight
elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once,
it takes off like a flash.
A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until
it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape
at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the
sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until
it completely destroys itself.
In many ways, there are lots of people like the buzzard, the bat,
and the bumblebee. They are struggling about with all their problems
and frustrations, not ever realizing that the answer is right there
"Above" them.
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