The Little Prince is an ecologist

Abstract

Stories shape the human experience. Fairy tales, fables, and historical stories from many peoples influence contemporary culture and science. The Little Prince is an excellent example of a short tale that highlights the relative importance of living with ecology and connectedness. It also clearly illuminates the absurdity that can emerge when one becomes isolated from even the simple processes associated with the functioning of other natural systems or from ecological interactions. This is one of many excellent stories that can be used in teaching science to frame theory for learners into different and larger novel contexts. This fairy tale provides morals for daily living too--tend to your garden, watch sunsets, and use nature to tame your absurd life and connect to others.  We use humour, stories, and current cultural memes from television and movies in many publications and/or their titles and in classroom lessons. Looking more broadly for tales and stories from different cultures and times promotes justice and openness.