A Parable

Abstract

We are approaching the 16th anniversary of the creation of Lake Kariba. Interest in the lake has dwindled in direct proportion to the dramatic events and problems which surrounded its formation. There has not been anything as spectacular as ‘Operation Noah’ since the dam was closed in 1958. Although many problems continue to plague the area, none equal the ‘glamour’ of the animal rescue operation — which has since been viewed with considerable misgivings, as have other endeavors undertaken prior to impoundment as well as after. Of course, it is always easy to be critical with the benefit of hindsight; however, there do exist analogous enterprises whose lessons could and should have been heeded somewhat more strenuously than has perhaps been done.

‘… the emphasis on the whole should not blind us to the fact that recognition of the components is also essential. (…) the approach can be likened to understanding a cow by running the entire live animal through an enormous meat grinder, and scientifically analyzing the resultant hamburger. A monkey might slip in, and never be noticed. The resultant science might express a perfect bovine placidity, but it would take a sharp mental eye to be aware of the monkey business’. Frank E. Egler (1964)