There is one modern view that holds man as master of the natural world, shaping it to meet his needs and desires. There is a conflicting view that we are but specks on the backs of tortoises on the backs of elephants, balanced precariously on floating logs, vulnerable to the slightest quiver of nature’s balance. Somewhere at the heart of this debate is the question of whether the human being understands its position in the natural world and is a sensible custodian of its own fortune.
There is much in Peruvian history, natural and political, for both sides to leap on and scrap ferociously with. It might be diverting, if not entertaining, to take a look at a very small slice of it.
Trade winds carry warm water west away from the Peruvian coast and a Humboldt current brings cold nutrient-rich water flowing in to replace it. The birds like this water and thrive and then they leave their droppings. Guano has been a part of Peruvian history since early Inca times. It was used as a fertilizer and as such became an integral part of the empire’s wealth. Later it was realised that it could be used as a key ingredient in gunpowder. It was prized for both uses, but we will venture into very hot currents if we dwell on which of the two uses brought more joy.
Like I said at the beginning, there is plenty for both sides to scrap with there. Having lit the blue touchpaper, I think I’ll just retire to a safe distance now.
Tags: cold nutrient-rich water, gunpowder, humboldt current, peruvian history
