The story of an old father, who made a bow and arrow by hand, to hunt for sparrows. He expected that every time he let the arrow fly, it would hit the target, but it was not always the case. Sometimes, the arrow would fly off course, and he would be disappointed.
This reminded the author of the development of modern missiles, which are equipped with advanced navigation systems, sensors, and monitoring systems. Despite their sophistication, these missiles also have a margin of error, just like the old man's bow and arrow.
The author suggests that this is not unique to missiles or the old man's bow and arrow, but rather a universal phenomenon. The natural world, with its complexities and unpredictabilities, introduces variables that affect the outcome of our actions.
The author quotes an ancient wisdom, saying that even a clear mind, like a mirror, cannot be free from imperfections. We must adapt to the natural world and learn to appreciate its beauty, rather than trying to impose our will upon it.
In this sense, the old father, who made a bow and arrow to hunt for sparrows, is not unlike the natural world itself. Just as the old father's attempts to hit the target are often unsuccessful, the natural world, too, has its own path to follow.
The author concludes that empathy and understanding are essential in our relationship with the natural world. We must learn to appreciate its beauty, its complexities, and its unpredictabilities, rather than trying to control it. In this sense, the old father's bow and arrow become a metaphor for the human experience, a reminder of our limitations and our place in the natural world.