One person can do a beautiful thing: draw an exquisite portrait, compose a song, write a book, run a marathon, climb a mountain, invent a cure. Small groups of people can also do amazing things, such as the grassroots movement, known as the Peaceful Revolution, that contributed to the fall of the Berlin Wall, or Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, who worked out of a garage, founded Apple, and revolutionized personal computing and communication. Or, how about the dedicated group spearheaded by Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks, which challenged segregation and led to landmark legislation?
A musician performing a solo, using only one instrument, can be inspiring. Think of Yoyo Ma and his cello. But when several instruments come together, it can be emotional, moving, poignant, and priceless. Think of the masterpieces of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, John Sebastian Bach, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Joseph Hayden, and Franz Schubert. What about the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, or the Rolling Stones?
Humpback whales sing complex and elaborate songs to each other, sometimes for hours. One whale song is beautiful, but several whales singing together is mesmerizing. Or how about the American toad trilling across the pond to be answered by another and another, and before you know it, the landscape is full of melodious chirrups. Elephants communicate with various trumpets, rumbles, bellows, and infrasonic sound (below the range of human hearing). These sounds travel long distances and are part of their complex social cohesion.
Research consistently shows that individuals with larger and active social networks tend to live longer and increase their happiness. The blue zones, geographical areas where people often reach 100 years of age, share a common thread of having strong social connections. They gather frequently with family, friends, and neighbors, sharing meals, celebrating events, playing games, and participating in informal entertainment. This fosters a sense of belonging, provides support, and offers a general sense of well-being.
Are we better together?
Yes, I think so. Cooperation and unity can lead to better outcomes than working in isolation. We can pool our resources, skills, and ideas to achieve more. Diverse viewpoints help us see potential difficulties. Together, we foster trust, respect, and a sense of community, which can lead to innovative solutions. Or as the great Martin Luther King once said, “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”
Enjoy the Passage of Time.
Sharon
© Sharon Kreider. 2025. All Rights Reserved.