POLITICS: TALES OF SURVIVAL : THE PHOENIX AND THE TARDIGRADE

 

POLITICS: TALES OF SURVIVAL

THE PHOENIX AND THE TARDIGRADE

 

 “Here in this suffering, all previous beliefs are called into question. They are consumed in the fire sparked and fueled by our own illusion. The pain becomes the ashes we are now entombed in. It is only when we find ourselves at this most imprisoned of junctures that we emerge again, so much more beautiful than the last one.” — TEAL

 

The Phoenix and the Tardigrade are animals that are studies in survival.

The Phoenix is a mythical bird that out of choice or circumstances consciously consumes itself in flames to be reborn new from its ashes.

The essence of the Phoenix is the indestructibility. Instead of being mortified, it is renewed; Stronger, better and fitter than it had been.

Tardigrades on the other hand are tiny, cute and virtually indestructible. The microscopic animals are able to survive in a pot of boiling water, at the bottom of a deep-sea trench or even in the cold, dark vacuum of space.

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Tardigrades can survive in watery as well as terrestrial environments, from oceans and lakes to mountains, forests and sand dunes.

When short on water, they may curl up in a ball, entering the “tun” state.The tun state looks more like a temporary death than a long hibernation.

Tardigrades can endure radiation, extreme pressure and extreme heat and cold, including temperatures near absolute zero in the Tun state.

They are actually relatively easy to kill when they’re not in this tun state.

It’s this uncanny ability to endure extreme conditions that has drawn my attention.

Both animals have different ways of survival.

The Phoenix cremates itself and comes out anew, kind of rebranding.

Many people in politics, in business and in life in general, having been in public glare for long, have their images worn and not having much effect on the people again. The kind of awe they commanded is no more there. So they rebrand and with plenty of image laundering present a new image of themselves to the world.

Politicians are especially known to re-present themselves in a different image so as to perpetuate themselves in power.

People who have remained in power for long are like the Phoenix, always coming out of their old ashes as new persons.

After losing face or gone under, they rebrand and come out bright and shiny.

He becomes a new person, different from his old self. He is laundered clean.

 

The Tardigrade does not die or get consumed in an inferno.

It simply goes into the Tun state in which it can survive the harsh conditions.

It doesn't present a new self or rebrand. It keeps being the same. The Tardigrade does not change personality.

Many politicians, when they run out of favour due to situations, simply go into the Tun State. When things are favourable, they come out the same and unchanged.

When political situations are unfavorable, for  example after losing an election or falling out of favour with powers that be, the Tardigrade politician does not leave his political party or forgo old associations. He simply waits for a better time to sprout.

Unlike the Tardigrade, the Phoenix politician changes coat and presents a new self. He is wont to change party and reorder associations.

A known Democrat suddenly wears a Progressive toga. Known dictators suddenly become "Born again Democrats.

Depending on how they achieve it, both Phoenix and Tardigrade try to live longer than they should.

Election season is over.

Elections have been won and lost.

Be prepared for the Rebranded Phoenix and the Rejuvenated Tardigrade.