Man Powerless to Nature

                Photo: (http://goo.gl/rH1twy)

Stop reading fictional stories as if they are fairytales.  Fictional stories have truth.  Behind all of the magic, sci-fi, made up characters and fictional plots, the stories contain messages, morals, or illustrations that are true in today’s world.  In “To Build a Fire”, Jack London creates an original plot with fictional characters and events; however, what he portrays has relevance and truthfulness.  London’s theme that nature is stronger than man is factual and can be seen in modern world.

One of the fictional characters represents the challenge of nature; the main character, who is nameless, believes that he can travel when the temperature is 70 degrees below zero, even though  an “old-timer” tells him that he should not.  “The old-timer had been very serious in laying down the law that no man must travel alone in the Klondike after fifty below.” (London)  The protaginist believes that he is superior to nature and can handle the cold and all the possible obstacles.  Unfortunately, he realizes too late that the “old-timer” was right and the character perishes, submitting to the power of nature. The “old-timer” is analogous to warnings of climate change: Both illustrate that nature is powerful and can harm people.

According to a recent New York Times article and President Obama, 2014 broke the record for the hottest in recoded history.  Many believe that the increase in temperature is because of greenhouse gases.  Scientists also proclaim that most of the water on the planet has increased in temperature, and hypothesize that as a result, devastating Pacific storms have occurred.  The article goes on to state that, “The 10 warmest years have all occurred since 1997, a reflection of the relentless planetary warming that scientists say is a consequence of human activity and poses profound long-term risks to civilization and nature.” (New York Times)  It also explores the dangers involved of humans trying to manipulate nature.  Just as the “old-timer” tried to warn the man in the story, the New York Times article is trying to warn us that the temperature of the world is changing and there are harmful consequences that may not be able to be controlled by our best scientists.  Nature is more powerful than humans and the more humanity attempts to control nature --- the more nature will rebel.

The man ignores the advice of the “old-timer” just as people today ignore the warnings of global warming.  He attempts the hike and costs his life.  “Those old-timers were rather womanish, some of them, he thought.” (London)  Today, even with the warnings such as in the New York Times, companies continue to try to control nature and some are actually profiting from the changing climate.  Arctic shipping companies are profiting from melting ice caps.  New, faster, cheaper routes are being established because there is no ice in the way, which in turn saves companies like Rosatam time and money.  These companies are inadvertently pro-global warming and by extension do not regard the health and safety of animals such as the polar bear.

Another industry that benefits from global warming is agricultural biotech.  “Prolonged droughts and frosts ruin regular crops. That means extra business for companies that protect agriculture.”  (CNN) The interesting fact is that some of the “prolonged droughts and frosts” are a result of humans.  The agricultural biotech example, shows that people are trying to control nature and adapting items like food because nature is rebelling to human’s disregard for the environment.   People are ignoring the warnings of nature’s reaction to being controlled. Although the consequences are not entirely known, the more extreme weather indicates that nothing good will come from attempting to control nature.  The message conveyed in “To Build a Fire” that ignoring certain advice may have dire consequences is the same as after reading the New York Times along with the article that points out companies using global warming to their benefits.

If the man had listened to the “old-timer”, he would still be alive and have met up with his friends at the camp.  Sadly, the man realizes too late that he is not stronger than nature.  “‘You were right, old hoss; you were right,’ the man mumbled to the old-timer of Sulphur Creek.  Then the man drowsed off into what seemed to him the most comfortable and satisfying sleep he had ever known.” (London)  Fortunately, there are environmentalists, who are listening to the warnings and trying not to make the same mistakes.

Rose Twine, an environmentalist, and her brother are creating the “eco-stove”, that is powered by volcanic rock and solar power.  She wants to reduce deforestation and eliminate the need to burn items, such as wood, that produce thick, toxic smoke.  “It's still early days but the sustainable business has seen some local success in promoting renewable energy -- a cause of great importance to Twine.” (CNN)  London's fable does not actually describe what would have happened if the man had not gone for the hike, but it can be inferred that he would still be alive.  Thus, another true message. The eco-stove article warns that if one does listen to good advice the results are favorable.

“To Build a Fire” is a fictional story and the articles mentioned above are factual; however, there is a strong similarity between the items.  Nature is not something to mess with in life.  No one is superior to nature and messing with it is like toiling with the devil.  Reading “To Build a Fire” and then setting it down thinking, 'Oh, that was a nice, fake story,' is foolish because the truths behind the fiction are relevant and are crucial to the future.  Essentially, one should read fiction and internalize the messages that are within and apply to everyday life.