Life is communal and shared. 

Living things are sustained because of the interconnected, complex systems in the natural world. The water, carbon, nitrogen, and nutrient cycles are just a few of the essential natural processes actively working together to preserve a resilient, yet fragile, ecosystem. When one system is adversely affected or at risk of breaking down, the others become critically threatened. 

Like natural systems, humanity is interconnected and dependent on one another. People have always relied on others to support or enhance their physical, emotional, and social needs. A deliberate stroll through a local natural history museum in any major city will inform the survival behaviors practiced by our ancient ancestors and remain necessary for every person today. Families and tribes collaborated in food gathering, distribution, preparation, the production of tools, building reliable shelters, protecting one another from harm, and instituting codes of behavior and belonging that create the foundations of civil society. When one part of the community was threatened by attack, disease, harsh weather conditions, or a lack of resources, they persevered because they problem-solved and worked together.

Today’s modern world still relies on the interconnection and collaboration of others to sustain humanity. While machines and technology replace or supplement human-driven work, people continue to rely on and trust others for their daily needs. Trust that the machines and systems we deploy will benefit and support people equitably. Trust we remain committed to maintaining standards in health, safety, and civic policy for the common good. Trust we’ll unconditionally aid, defend, and support each other when disaster strikes. And trust that our neighbors are seeking each other’s best interests with ethical intentions.

Self-serving, narcissistic, and nihilistic beliefs undermine communities, society, and our very humanity. It erodes our souls and corrupts our minds to believe the worst about ourselves and each other. Failing to embrace, accept, and courageously value belonging and contribution of each other and ourselves to a greater human global project can set off a chain reaction of weakening and breaking down the complex systems that hold us together.

Thankfully, the solutions are not far from home. They exist by looking to our families, close relationships, and within our communities. They exist without social media. They are as fundamental and essential as the life cycles found in the natural world. Life is in every way, communal and shared.