"Why Fish Don't Exist: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life" by Lulu Miller is part memoir, part biography, and part philosophical inquiry. The book interweaves the life story of David Starr Jordan, a taxonomist who sought to categorise the world’s fish, with Miller’s personal narrative of grappling with chaos and disorder in her own life.
Summary:
The book begins with Miller at a low point in her life, searching for meaning and order. She stumbles upon the story of David Starr Jordan, who was an ichthyologist, educator, and eugenicist. Jordan had a near-obsessive drive to discover and classify new species of fish, eventually becoming the founding president of Stanford University. His story is one of perseverance in the face of chaos: after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake destroyed his life’s work, he attempted to piece back together his collection of glass fish specimens, an endeavor that symbolises a quest for order.Miller delves into Jordan’s life, highlighting his scientific achievements but not shying away from the darker aspects of his legacy, particularly his advocacy for eugenics. Through her exploration, Miller reflects on the human need to categorise and control the world around us and how this often leads to a false sense of order.
Lulu Miller's "Why Fish Don't Exist" is not only a meditation on the scientific quest for order but also a deeply personal memoir that examines the unpredictability of life and love. A significant moment in the book comes when Miller describes a turning point in her personal life: the dissolution of her long-term relationship with her boyfriend after she acts on her attraction to a woman. This event leads to a profound self-discovery and serves as a catalyst for her to embrace the uncertainties of her identity and life's path.
In the broader context of the book, this moment reinforces several of the learning points:
Learning Points:
1. The Illusion of Order:
Miller's personal life reflects the central theme of the book, which questions the validity of imposing strict categories—whether on fish species or on human relationships and sexuality. The breakdown of her relationship and the subsequent awakening to her sexuality are reminders that life often defies the neat categorizations we are comfortable with.2. Resilience in the Face of Adversity:
The end of a significant relationship is a form of adversity that many people face. Miller's narrative illustrates how personal crises can be opportunities for growth. Just as Jordan rebuilt his collection, Miller rebuilds her sense of self, discovering strength and resilience in the process.3. The Ethics of Science:
While this particular event in Miller's life does not directly relate to the ethics of scientific practice, it does speak to the broader ethical considerations of being true to oneself. It underlines the importance of authenticity, a principle that can be extended to the realm of scientific inquiry in terms of integrity and honesty.4. Acceptance of Uncertainty:
Miller's experience with her relationship and emerging sexuality is a powerful testament to embracing life's uncertainties. The acceptance of her own fluid identity exemplifies the larger message of the book: the beauty and liberation found in acknowledging and accepting the chaos and complexity of life.The ending of "Why Fish Don't Exist" is particularly moving because it encapsulates these themes within the narrative of Miller's personal life. It is a confession not only of her scientific and philosophical musings but also of her journey towards self-acceptance and love. It resonates as "extremely lovely" because it represents a universal human experience—the profound, often messy, journey of finding oneself amidst life's unpredictability.
Significance:
"Why Fish Don't Exist" was considered one of the best books of 2020 for its unique blend of storytelling, its exploration of historical and scientific concepts, and its ability to connect deeply personal experiences with broader philosophical questions. It has an average rating of 4.2/5 on Goodreads. The way Miller intertwines the story of Jordan with her life brings a fresh perspective to the non-fiction genre. It is praised for its lyrical prose, its vulnerability, and its insightful exploration of complex themes.Ending Explained (Spoilers):
In the conclusion, Miller reveals a scientific twist: fish, as a category, do not exist in the way Jordan believed. Recent taxonomic studies show that the category of “fish” is not monophyletic; that is, not all fish share a common ancestor that isn’t also shared with other animal groups, like mammals. This revelation is emblematic of the book’s overarching theme – that the world is more complex and intertwined than our classifications suggest. Miller ends on a note of embracing the chaos and finding beauty in the lack of order, suggesting that there is a form of peace in accepting the world as it is, in all its messiness and unpredictability.Why is the Ending Such a Sweet Love Letter?
In "Why Fish Don't Exist," the loveliness of the ending is significantly amplified by Lulu Miller's heartfelt confession of her feelings towards the woman who would become her wife. This revelation is both a personal turning point and a touching affirmation of love that defies her previous life's structures.Throughout the memoir, Miller grapples with the concept of order both in the natural world, influenced by the scientific endeavors of David Starr Jordan, and in her own life. The dissolution of her relationship with her long-time boyfriend, precipitated by her kiss with another woman, propels her into a state of self-reflection and transformation. This moment is not just about the end of one chapter in her life, but also the courageous beginning of another.
As she accepts her attraction and subsequent profound connection with this woman, Miller's narrative evolves from introspection to the embrace of a new love that is unexpected and transcendent of her previous understanding of herself. Her confession to this woman is a raw and sincere declaration of love that resonates with the reader because it reflects the vulnerability and beauty of true connection.
The ending stands out for its warmth and authenticity. In a memoir that has delved into the fallacies of rigid categorisation—both in the world of taxonomy and in the human heart—Miller’s open acknowledgment and acceptance of her love for her wife is the embodiment of the book’s ultimate message. It is a celebration of life’s unpredictable nature and the joy that can come from embracing the unknown.
By concluding her memoir with this sweet confession, Miller not only offers a glimpse into her happiness but also provides a powerful example of how embracing our truths can lead to profound fulfillment. This sentiment elevates the book's ending, making it a poignant and memorable testament to love's power to emerge triumphantly amidst the chaos of life.
*If you can understand Korean, this is a high quality review of the book:
※ Important: The content of this post is mostly taken from ChatGPT, and it had been arranged in a nice format by me. You should be fact checking these given points/examples in this post should you be using them for grading purposes. Thank you.
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