Chapter 1
The boy from Nebraska
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Chapter 2
The bone hunter's journey
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Chapter 3
The star thrower and other stories
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Chapter 4
A cosmic view of humanity
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YOUR GOAL
Master of The world of Loren Eiseley
Ch 3 · The star thrower and other stories
schopenhauer The Star Thrower
He never said it made a difference (never said) / He only said the stars throw well (they throw well)
schopenhauer Eiseley's 1957 masterpiece blended evolutionary science with poetic wonder, launching his literary career.
schopenhauer The famous motivational parable about saving starfish started as a complex, 26-page philosophical essay.
BETA
schopenhauer Match Loren Eiseley's famous quotes to discover his poetic views on nature and humanity.
Fun Fact
Starfish story origin: The famous motivational 'starfish story' is actually a highly condensed adaptation of Loren Eiseley's deeply philosophical 26-page essay 'The Star Thrower'.
Glossary
starfish (noun)
A star-shaped marine invertebrate with five or more radiating arms. On the beaches of Costabel, Loren Eiseley watched a man rescue these stranded creatures by throwing them back.
A star-shaped marine invertebrate with five or more radiating arms. On the beaches of Costabel, Loren Eiseley watched a man rescue these stranded creatures by throwing them back.
Quiz
What makes the Star Thrower's actions 'irrational' in a strictly Darwinian scientific sense?
Quiz
In which of Loren Eiseley's books was the essay 'The Star Thrower' first published in 1969?
Quiz
What does the narrator say to the Star Thrower when he finally decides to join him?
Quiz
Which 19th-century American author of 'Walden' was Eiseley frequently compared to by literary critics?
Quiz
In the original essay, what are other people on the beach doing to the sea creatures?
Quiz
What is the name of the fictional or symbolic beach setting where 'The Star Thrower' takes place?
Quiz
Eiseley's breakout 1957 book of scientific essays is titled 'The Immense...' what?