Studio 360

On my first listen, I thought, "Brother, this guy doesn't understand the first thing about Aristotle, e.g., using the mistranslation of "hexis" into "habit." But then I listened again, and I realized how wonderfully this story comments on, illustrates, and humanizes so much of Aristotle's *Nicomachean Ethics*, in particular the idea of the relation of hexis to virtue, and what counts as virtue for a human being -- or a dog trying to become human.

I was absolutely touched by this story this morning. I was driving home from church and heard more about what it means to be human and to have a deep longing in this account that I had all morning. I heard a longing for relationship that is stronger than our ability to do what is "right" and a message of grace that enables us to fulfil our purposes.

Rushing to complete errands before flying to another state for a serious surgery for my only grandchild, I was riveted by the last part of Laika's story. Working with sick and impaired humans as a hospital social worker, I see the dark side of life so much. I was so touched by John Haskell's interpretation of how necessary for all of life to have meaning. If one is not apparent, then we make meaning and it makes all the difference in any life, even a dog's life. Homeless, man or dog requires meaning. Striving for the nearly unattainable, requires meaning. And as all of us surrender to what is inevitable for every living thing, both death and life require meaning. It will be impossible for me to forget this story and I plan to use this with my staff.