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A Tribute to Steve Irwin

Posted by Joseph Riggio on Monday, September 04, 2006

An unabashed tribute to one of our modern bright lights and a personal hero of mine ...

Good Morning,

Today as usual I was scanning the news and my blogs and the first thing I came across was a headline about Steve Irwin - "The Crocodile Hunter" had been killed by a stingray off the coast of Queensland in Australia. The last record of an attack like this that resulted in a death was recorded in 1945.

The experts interviewed said that these animals only attack under threat or from fear ... i.e.: defensively. Therefore the thinking about what happened seems to be that the stingray was acting defensively and not aggressively.

I am a great fan of Steve Irwin and the work that he's done to promote wildlife conservation and awareness. I think of him also as someone who found his fascination and pursued it without compromise. His work was an expression of his life and this kind of individual always gains my immediate respect - especially when the work they do has the value that I think of Irwin's work as a conservationist.

My work continues to be largely devoted to assisting my clients find this kind of passion and joy in their life. Having models who demonstrate living in this way makes it more accessible to those who are on this path themselves. I am a great believer in keeping our heroes intact (not the approach favored by some "journalists" who perceive their life's work to be or at least include tearing down our heroes). For me Steve Irwin will remain a hero who chose to live his life with incredible passion and commitment.

I will miss his quirky and engaging way of sharing his passion with his audience - and of course the amazement at his skill and bravado in working with some of the world's most dangerous animals. He did something I have found to be a common denominator of all true masters ... he made the impossible seem simple. I'd watch him handle poisonous snakes and spiders and for a moment I'd think, "I could do that." Or, I'd see him working with his beloved crocodiles, and again I'd think, "I could do that." Then I'd remember what he was actually demonstrating and realize how much knowledge, skill and experience was being demonstrated so consummately ... and I'd know ... "NO WAY COULD I DO THAT!"

But that was part of the wonder of Steve Irwin his ability to draw aside the veil of wonder and draw us into his world so absolutely that what he was doing seemed "normal" ... often belying his incredible mastery in his corner of the world. I will appreciate all the moments I was able to experience through him the thrill of being present to the "gorgeous" animals he would so often tell us were "a beauty". I am also appreciative of the hours of time I've gotten to spend with both my son and my daughter sharing time with them enjoying Steve Irwin's work and building a greater appreciation for the wonders of this world we share.

For many of his family, friends and fans I'm sure that Steve Irwin's untimely death will be experienced as a tragedy. I can assure you that for me personally I see this as the case. I will miss knowing that his star continues to brighten this world as it has for some time now. I think we've lost a true citizen of the world who devoted much of his life to what he loved in a way that benefited many ... what more can be asked of a man?

So I'm saddened by this news this morning ... and yet also choose to celebrate the wonders of a world where I am able to have a sense of connection with someone I've never personally met except through an invitation into my home via his television shows and specials. I also choose to celebrate what I think of as a bright life lived in awe and wonder ... following his bliss. As an example of what can be possible when one choose to life life in this way my sense of Steve Irwin has been that he's done it as well as could be done.

So I offer this short post today as an unabashed tribute to a man I respected and admired from afar ... and I wish grace and blessings upon his family in this time of their mourning.

Joseph Riggio, Ph.D.
Princeton, NJ

PS - For more information on this story go to BBC,including Steve Irwin's Obituary and there are videos as well at CNN and BBC, (also see the tributes by the famous naturalist David Bellamy and the Queensland crocodile farm owner Jeff Lever).

PPS - I also recommend the coverage in "The Australian" on-line, which I found after my original posting of this message. Their coverage seems more complete than the sources I've listed above, but without the video clips.

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Mark S on Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Joseph, I very much appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts about Steve Irwin. 

I agree that he was a passionate man who demonstrated a life of mastery.  He inspired thousands and educated perhaps millions of people in a fun and memorable way.

I was very sad when I heard he had been killed.  Another bright light gone too soon.

When I spoke with a friend about my feeling a sense of loss about this man I never met, he coldly said Steve got what he deserved for fucking around with the animals.  I was shocked and thought of him, boy you sure missed the boat on this one. 

I have sent your blog posting about Steve to this person since I know he respects you because you so eloquently expressed the value, inspiration and wonder of a life well lead in the person of Steve Irwin. 

I too will miss this hero.  Thanks for your thoughts.  Sincerely, Alethea

Alethea Jacob on Saturday, September 09, 2006

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