Pat, I read that article too and found it alarming. The greatest character traits we have as human beings—courage, selflessness, honor, integrity—all replaced by horrible vices in the name of “survival.” Like you, I try and focus on the beauty and mystery of life. I think we’ve become so focused on having an answer for everything, we miss out on the awe and wonder little things—like the soul of a parakeet as you stated—produce in us. In the words of CS Lewis “we are half-hearted creatures… like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”