Human Planet

I watched something last night that changed my life just a little bit.

(photo source)

"Human Planet" on Discovery...did you watch? Oh my heavens, incredible. It's very similar to "Planet Earth" from last year (or was it year before last?), but its focus is humans instead of animals.

I loved the whole concept of "Planet Earth", the breathtaking scenery, the creative videography...but I couldn't watch it. The reason? I don't like to watch animals kill and eat each other. I really don't like it. I know it's natural and I don't have any problems at all with it happening...I just don't want to see it.

"Human Planet", though, is a mostly different ballgame. Only minor animal killage...I can handle that.

Two episodes aired last night. One featured people who live near water, and the other profiled mountain cultures. What I found most striking was the struggles of daily life. Gathering food, transportation, making a living, literally journeying to school...amazing. Humbling. Sobering.

I felt so spoiled as I watched this. I have so many conveniences at my disposal, and I still find myself complaining about life on an embarrassingly regular basis. For many of these people, life is hard...like, really, really hard. Every day. I often need to be reminded just how good I've actually got it.

This show is great for a reality check. If you're not in need of that (lucky you!), watch for the scenery. Isn't our Earth a glorious creation???