Below is a writing for class in which I discuss how animals and humans choose to occupy and "own" space. These are just some thoughts about how we try to take ownership of space and whether it is natural or learned, a right and necessity or a culture:
I read the "Territorial Imperative," by Robert Ardrey. He writes about how, just like animals, humans carve out spaces for themselves territorially, and the importance of this in understanding the human condition. He explains that territory/owning land is not simply a societal construct but something that exists in the psychology of most animals, such as birds, squirrels, lions, and humans. And that owning territory invigorates and strengthens,
"Is Homo Sapiens a territorial species? Do we stake out property, chase off trespassers, defend our countries because we are sapient, or because we are animals? Because we choose, or because we must?"
The line of thought is interesting. I think part of it of course is that life is better and easier when we have a place to call our own, to settle down. A place whre we can exist and feel safe and be in our own mind. Being constantly on the move is tiring and takes a lot of energy and there's less stability in it, although I suppose it could be more exciting.
Is it hard to imagine a life without a "room" simply because that's the only way I've lived? I suppose that I could always find another place to spend my time alone, but I could never guarantee my seclusion, and I'd never have anywhere to put all my junk and knick-knacks. Humans and animals all need to sleep, so we all need a place to be.
Where do whales sleep? There's no cave or anything big enough for them to lay their weary heads.
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