The Starfish Story

Majority of the people in this world are only looking out for their own interests, either out of greed or necessity. The pessimist in me often questioned the select efforts of a minority of the population to make the world a better place. I was often discouraged, thinking what the point was in even trying. It has been a struggle trying to justify that doing the right thing is worth it, this story has ended my struggle.


The Starfish Story adapted from 'The Star Thrower' by Loren Eiseley (1907–1977)


Once upon a time an old man saw a young boy walking along the shore of a beach throwing starfish into the water. Startled, the old man approached and said, "I must ask why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?"

To this, the young boy replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young boy, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young boy bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "I made a difference to that one!"





Whether you're a PETA activist, street artist, or just like to recycle, as long as you're doing the right thing, never doubt yourself. Your efforts will touch someone's life.