Yeshiva University High School For Boys - Elchanite Yearbook (New York, NY)

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Man and Nature by ISAAC snARoN Man is no more than a tiny insect whose days are numbered and whose death is inevitable. ln spite of all heralded advances in the realms of science, the human race is. as it has always been. a mere tool in the hands of Nature, the Omnipotent Master. Man may dream of reaching the outer Universe, yet his delusions of grandeur are invariably shattered against the hard rock of reality. Ever since Man was created. he has aspired to break away from the confine- ments in which Nature has placed him. and to become the master of his fate. Many have been his efforts, yet all have been in vain. Every attempt has not only failed, but has also entailed heavier yokes and lower standards. Having failed to learn his lesson from Eve's Apple. the Human struggled to ascend the insurmountable mountain of Eternity by means of the Tower of Babel. and consequently found himself dispersed for ages to come. Even at the present time, mortals fancy that they have finally managed to overcome Nature-that the stage in which they would be able to dictate the course of their future has arrived. They point to soaring skyscrapers and mechanized inventions. and practically claimed that in a short time Man will be able to fathom the secret of the Creation, and rule the Universe. Man fails to realize that he is now subject not only to the rigorous rules of Nature, but also to his own impregnable standards. The fact is that Man is so enslaved. that he is unable to appraise his situation in its true light. Treatises and researches have concluded that he is gradually advancing toward eternal longevityg that his average lifespan has been increased nearly twofold during the past centuryg that octogenarians will soon become the rule rather than the exception. But what value will a hundred years have to a harassed individual in an ultra-modern urban society? He will live to have appre- hensions that his own wild progress may result in the release of uncontrolled power for destructive ends. He will think. and dread the thought. that he may someday be living in a society where he toils while machines command. lt is true that countless inventions, potentially benehcial to humanity, have been made during recent years, yet in most cases their net return has been negative, due to misuse. These inventions. if directed towards the right channels. in har' mony with Natures standards. can aid humanity to a great extentg yet if applied artificially and selhshly, they may harm mankind even more. Man was designed to play a part in creation. secondary to that of Nature. and he cannot rebel against his own destiny. The pinnacle he may attain is only that which his Creator grants him. Any attempt to surpass his ultimate may con! ceivably result in a perilous upheaval. By being satisfied with his lot and com' bining his feeble strength with the incomparable opulence of Nature, Man can enrich both himself and his surroundings. Through education and insight into Natures methods. he may be able to comprehend the wisdom of the position in which his Creator has placed him. and carry on his life in a worthy manner. 22

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The thought of happy days filled her mind, and jostled out the lingering memories of adversity. She suddenly felt a strong impulse to recapture them and the places where they were spent. And she anxiously but silently lifted herself out of the bed. i The old woman walked a few steps to the terrace and she found the door unlocked. She quietly opened it and stepped out onto the pleasant moonlit terrace. The memories gracefully returned to her and filled her eyes with tears. The intern finished the rounds of the building and brought the elevator slowly down. He looked at his wrist watch: it was l2:3O. The thought of Mrs. Green's insomnia had filled his mind ever since he left the seventh floor. He decided that he would check up on her again. He stopped the elevator on the seventh floor and stepped into the corridor. The nurse at the desk looked up at him. VVhat's the matter? ul dropped my comb somewhere on this Hoor. I'd like to get it. You'll get it when it's light in the morning. You can wait, cant you? No, I can't. It's the only one I have, and I'd hate to be without it when I get up later. I've got a Hashlight. It won't be any trouble. The young man stepped into the corridor and walked toward room 707. He peered in. The light by Mrs. Greens bed was on. but the bed was empty! He turned and looked around. The terrace door was open! He stepped quickly onto the terrace. There. sitting by the railing, was Mrs. Green. He walked silently up to her. She was smiling, looking out into the star spaugled night. Oh, just let me sit out here another little while, dear. she said to him. She hadnt turned around, but she knew he was there. Come on Mrs. Green, you'd better come in with me. It's pretty chilly out here. He spoke very tenderly. The old lady sighed as the intern escorted her to her room. He sat her down on the bed. Dont do that again, gran'ma. he said. 'AYou're liable to get real sick and I'm sure that you don't want that to happen. He smiled at her. He spread the blanket and covered her frail body. 'Sleep tight. gran'ma. I-Ie turned to leave but she called after him. XVould you please let me kiss you? she said pleadingly. yet very calmly. The young man paused, straightened his tie. and walked slowly and nervously toward the old lady. He bent his head slowly, and she kissed him tenderly on the cheek. Good night, gran'ma. Good bye. dear. She smiled. As he left the room. a tear rolled down his cheek. The young man passed the nurses booth. She was still very much absorbed in her magazine, and she didn't look up as she spoke. Did you find it? He didn't answer. 'Sweet old lady, isn't she? Ile nodded affirmatively. ls she asleep now? Yeah, she's asleep. Fast asleep. The young man turned quickly and entered the waiting elevator. The old woman did sleep that night. Slie slept 41 deep peaceful slumber. W'l1en they went to wake her next morning. tlzere was still cl smile on lzer face. Il

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