Marveling at spiders' architectural skill once again, I am struck by something I'd never considered: Their scouting process. Seeing a spectacular glistening web strung between a telephone pole and a sign, it occurs to me that this spider chose this site. Why? By what spider mind criteria? How many options were rejected before deciding on this place? Did this tiny creature walk along the side of the road with those eyes pointed upwards as it considered the best location for catching prey? Were aesthetics involved? Options were reviewed and decisions were made. This might have happened while I was sleeping. A sudden awareness of the independent souls around us can cause goose bumps.
("Female Jumping Spider" by Thomas Shahan)
