The Starfish Storyadapted from The Star Thrower
Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.
One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, so he walked faster to catch up.
As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects and throwing them into the ocean.
He came closer still and called out, "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"
The young man paused, looked up and replied, "Throwing starfish into the ocean."
"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.
To this the young man 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 man, 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!"
As if he hadn't heard, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he turned, smiled and said, "It made a difference to that one!"
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about this story
Few stories have gained internet popularity the way "The Star Thrower" has. The original story, written by Loren Eiseley, who is sometimes hailed as being a modern day Henry David Thoreau, is a classic tale that illustrates that each of us has within us the power to make a difference in the lives of others.
Throughout the years, the story has appeared in many forms. In some adaptations, a Native American throws the starfish into the sea, sometimes it's a grandfather and in others a young child. In all its forms, it remains a powerful reminder that we are here to lift each other up, to help as best we can, whenever we can.
In such turbulent times as these, when so many feel alone and small and vulnerable, we really are able to make a lasting impact. If you ever ask yourself, "What can I do that will make a difference?" or "What can one small person like me do?" ~ well, you've come to the right place to find out.
You don't have to be rich, talented or understand quantum physics in order to be a positive force in the life of another. You only need to remember that we are here for a purpose, and that by making such contributions as you can offer, they will add up to something big in the life of another.
Please... Apply now to be a CASA today and become a thrower of starfish, for you do have the power to change the world ~ one life at a time.
You may also choose to purchase one of our Starfish Collectibles which signify the inspiration of our mission.
