I was touched by the inspirational "Starfish Story" that circulated the internet for several years and wondered if it was true and who wrote it. I did some research and discovered that the essay on which it's based was written by Loren Eiseley, an anthropologist and natural science writer with a strong connection to the natural world. It is included in a book of his essays titled "The Star Thrower."

In the essay Eiseley joins the star thrower in his mission. "I sought and picked up a still-living star, spinning it far out into the waves...I understand. Call me another thrower."

Is the story a true story? I didn't find a definitive answer but I would encourage people to read the essay, because it is, in my opinion, spiritual and beautifully written.

Here's the "internet" version:

"The Star Thrower" by Loren Eiseley:

There was once a wise man who was walking along the shore. As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn't dancing, but instead, was reaching down to the shore, picking up starfish and very gently throwing them into the ocean.

When asked why he was throwing Starfish into the ocean, the young man answered "The sun is up and the tide is going out and if I don't throw them in they'll die." The wise man replied "But don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach with Starfish all along it, and that you can't possibly make a difference!"

The young man listened politely, then bent down, picked up another Starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves.

"It made a difference for that one," he said.