Watership Down

A novel by Richard Adams

Copyright 1972

Watership Down is supposedly a children’s book, but it is one that contains lessons that adults, particularly those in leadership roles, should hear and take to heart.  I never read this book as a child, and I think I would have found it difficult to get through.  Sure, it’s about a band of rabbits looking for a new home.  That makes it sound like the premise of a children’s book.  The journey that this band of rabbits takes, though, is more difficult and dangerous than any of them expected.  It is the type of journey that brings out the best and the worst in everyone.  Leaders are formed, loyalties are tested, lives are lost, and friendships are formed.  

Although the rabbits take on some human traits, they remain mostly wild.  Unlike some literary animals, they don’t wear clothing, eat at tables, or bake pies.  They dig burrows, eat grass, and fear predators.

Fiver is small in stature, but is blessed (or is it cursed) with a second sight.  When he foresees the destruction of his warren and shares that information with Hazel, the two of them convince a small band of rabbits to leave in search of a safer home.  Hazel is not the biggest or strongest of rabbits and does not set out to lead, but along the way, he becomes their trusted guide.  The journey is rough and every step of the way, you see a team forming with each member looking out for the others.  They learn each others strengths and weaknesses, and with Hazel’s guidance, contribute all they can for the common good.  Some battles they face seem doomed to failure, yet each gives his all to the fight.  

The depth of this book makes it difficult to decide on one most important lesson, so if you haven’t read the book, or haven’t read it in years, I suggest giving it another read.  It is the type of book that will affect the reader in a different way with each reading.  

If I force myself to choose just one lesson from Watership Down, it is this:  Openness to new things and experiences is what keeps Hazel’s group alive.  Sometimes, you have to try an idea that is completely new and different, even though it sparks fear in your heart.