A blind spot is most dangerous when we are not aware of its presence.
Quartzite Outcrop, Pentax MX, Cinestill 50D, June 2025.
One of the greatest virtues one can attain is humility. This is the ability to admit that we were mistaken about something; and to wear our mistake with grace rather than denial. And one of the great blessings of maintaining a healthy and honest relationship with our fellow humans is that they will let us know when they believe we are mistaken; especially around matters of great importance. And it’s not just other people that can tell us when we are mistaken. The Earth can do this too.
Slopey Quartzite, Pentax MX, Cinestill 50D, June 2025.
A blind spot is most dangerous when we deny its existence. If we do not consider the possibility of being wrong about something, that is exactly when we are at greatest risk of making a mistake that could have dire consequences resulting in the metaphorical ‘fall’.
The devastating fall of the protagonist, the hero, is the subject of many great literary tragedies. The hero, absorbed in their ego fails to listen to the advice given by the oracles, and as a result, sets themselves on the path for self-destruction.
Rising Mist, Banksia, Pentax MX, Cinestill 50D, June 2025.
Our proud, hubris driven protagonist may say:
‘That other people should make mistakes is natural; that I should make a mistake, that is highly unlikely!’
And so the hero plods toward their destiny, towards the dragon’s den.
‘Others may be prone to make those mistakes, but I am dragon-proof; my judgement is without fault, and despite others believing otherwise, I am actually infallible.’
And so the hero will either defeat the dragon, or burn in the flames.
Burnt Banksias and Snowgums, Pentax MX, Cinestill 50D, June 2025.
-A.S. Brushy Creek, 23rd of August, 2025.