“I write for the same reason I breathe – because if I didn’t, I would die.” Isaac Asimov
Not even that the works remain, for the unknown validation and recognition…
But that if I did not create, I would not be alive. I would exist, and my body would function, but my life would be as eaten as He-Is’s name.
How is it that this sounds like the kind of reason that the first sentient humans (so, a mutant in an otherwise pre – human tribe) would give if we asked them why they made their cave paintings when the rest of the tribe was not smart enough to appreciate them?
Ed’s development as a character is possibly my favourite arc in the comic. I love his progress from hyena-drawn-because-Ursula-couldn’t-get-a-bear’s-muzzle right, though pathetic idiot, to become effectively Digger’s mentor and the single wisest character we have met so far. And the stunning part is that *none of it feels wrong* – it all flows perfectly from one moment to the next.
What a wonderful piece of metafiction this is…could totally be the voice of the strip’s author coming through Ed about why SHE “paints all these pictures.”
well when your entire expected future ceases to exist and you are exiled I suppose you have plenty of time to think deep thoughts. So I guess Ed really has more life experience to really get good insight on pretty much any topic that he can conceive. Though I wonder when Ed goes hunting for food since he always seems in his cave.
Rereading this, I feel compelled to say that I know the feeling, and as a poet I hate the fact that there isn’t a word to describe it, though a phrase might be “remembrances-of-self-to-future” which is too wordy.
Also, I really enjoy how much Ed makes you think about things.
@BoardEntity; Ed was out hunting when Digger came, so he does it, at least, that’s for sure. Maybe not all that often, and Digger’s occasional visit fortunately doesn’t clash?
Anyway, his philosophies are rather beautiful. More people should live by them, and make the world a better place.
The way Digger is standing next to her likeness in the first panel is a really nice touch. It pre-echoes her “humbling thought” remarks on the next page. 🙂
Eds reason to paint makes me shiver inside, in a good way. Wow!
Ed is being very good philosopher.
“And so we shouted our joy of life across the canvas of the world, that those who came after might share in the fullness of our lives.”
I love Ed. He’s a very moving character, in a way. 🙂
Interesting how all my favorite dialogues are from Ed, even with all his weird way of talking and all.
“I write for the same reason I breathe – because if I didn’t, I would die.” Isaac Asimov
Not even that the works remain, for the unknown validation and recognition…
But that if I did not create, I would not be alive. I would exist, and my body would function, but my life would be as eaten as He-Is’s name.
“But enough. Ed is alive, and Digger-mousie is being alive, and sun is burning, and herbs is being ready. Is no more be talking of death.” Mm.
(curious about the difference between ‘is alive’ and ‘is being alive’…)
How is it that this sounds like the kind of reason that the first sentient humans (so, a mutant in an otherwise pre – human tribe) would give if we asked them why they made their cave paintings when the rest of the tribe was not smart enough to appreciate them?
Ed’s development as a character is possibly my favourite arc in the comic. I love his progress from hyena-drawn-because-Ursula-couldn’t-get-a-bear’s-muzzle right, though pathetic idiot, to become effectively Digger’s mentor and the single wisest character we have met so far. And the stunning part is that *none of it feels wrong* – it all flows perfectly from one moment to the next.
Well put, Werrf. Ed is wiser, in his own peculiar way, even than the Ganesh-statue.
🙂
What a wonderful piece of metafiction this is…could totally be the voice of the strip’s author coming through Ed about why SHE “paints all these pictures.”
Ed looks so pensive and mournful in the third panel.
well when your entire expected future ceases to exist and you are exiled I suppose you have plenty of time to think deep thoughts. So I guess Ed really has more life experience to really get good insight on pretty much any topic that he can conceive. Though I wonder when Ed goes hunting for food since he always seems in his cave.
Rereading this, I feel compelled to say that I know the feeling, and as a poet I hate the fact that there isn’t a word to describe it, though a phrase might be “remembrances-of-self-to-future” which is too wordy.
Also, I really enjoy how much Ed makes you think about things.
‘To be remembered’ is a slightly less wordy version of that. It’s one of the reason’s I’m trying to write as well, though it is taking a while.
I should not be reading this with heartrending sad music in the background.
@BoardEntity; Ed was out hunting when Digger came, so he does it, at least, that’s for sure. Maybe not all that often, and Digger’s occasional visit fortunately doesn’t clash?
Anyway, his philosophies are rather beautiful. More people should live by them, and make the world a better place.
The way Digger is standing next to her likeness in the first panel is a really nice touch. It pre-echoes her “humbling thought” remarks on the next page. 🙂
Philosophycookie:
“remembrances-of-self-to-future”
Lord the 22nd:
‘To be remembered’
Me:
Legacy (?)