Last week I was looking through some of my many files that are stuffed with legions of pages. I came across a file of ‘games’ – simulations. A classic simulation is called ‘The Life Boat.’ As I sat and recalled the times I guided this simulation a new twist of the game began to emerge into my consciousness. I have put some flesh on the skeleton that took form in my mind.
Today I will describe the scenario and next time I will offer some of the considerations and ideas that have and continue to emerge as I re-visit and reflect upon this scenario.
‘THE LIFE-BOAT’ SCENARIO
Fred, the self-appointed ‘Captain’ of the life-boat was taking stock and trying to be supportive and optimistic. ‘There are ten of us in this boat; it was built to carry twenty-four. It appears that we have plenty of water and food – enough to last the ten of us a week or more. A distress signal was sent and so I expect that we will be rescued sooner rather than later.’
Fred noticed that his words had the desired effect; folks were smiling and settling in. Fred took a deep breath, smiled broadly, and announced: ‘Let’s celebrate our good fortune and enjoy one of the cookies that Joan salvaged from the kitchen on her way to the life-boat.’
As Fred reached for the cookie jar he noticed that all eyes were not looking at him. In fact, more than half of the folks were scanning the waters; which, luckily were quite calm at that moment. All of a sudden, Ruth, broke the silence: ‘Shouldn’t we attempt to steer our life-boat over to the person over there who has been treading water for the past thirty minutes and who has been calling to us to come help?’
The sudden awareness did not result in a ‘rescue.’
Fred, once again, took command: ‘Look folks, did we not all agree that it’s not our fault that that person did not get to this life-boat on time. We also agreed that if we go pick that person up then our food and water will be dramatically – and negatively – affected. I ask you again –‘Why should we put our chances for survival at risk?’
The other nine looked down into the boat and grunted agreement.
Ruth would not be silenced: ‘We should rescue her because we can – isn’t that reason enough?’
Fred’s response was quick and decisive: ‘Life is cruel and unfair at best. If that person dies it is not like we killed her. Now, let’s break out those cookies!’
Gentle reader, please be care-full and do not simply respond quickly to this scenario. Why? Check back next time for some ideas to consider.
Searcher-Seeker 
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