Edwin gave Cole a significant warning about his interactions with the island's wildlife, emphasizing a profound connection between one's actions toward animals and oneself.
Edwin's Key Warning to Cole
When Cole expressed his intent to harm a bear if he encountered one, Edwin offered a crucial piece of advice that underlined the spiritual and reciprocal nature of their relationship with the environment. His warning was direct and deeply symbolic:
- Anything Cole does to the animals, he does to himself.
This statement suggests a karmic or interconnected relationship, implying that any violence or disrespect shown to the creatures of the island would ultimately reflect back upon Cole's own well-being and spirit. It served as a cautionary note against aggression and a call for respect toward all living beings.
Cole's initial reaction to this warning was one of disbelief and mockery, dismissing Edwin's words as "crazy." This response highlights Cole's initial resistance to understanding the deeper, spiritual lessons that Edwin was attempting to impart regarding his place within the natural world.