I have always been fascinated by symbiotic relationships in nature. A symbiotic relationship is a mutually beneficial relationship, which means all those involved receive some type of benefit. Sharks share this type of relationship with pilot fish. A shark will allow a pilot fish to enter its mouth and clean the bits of food from its teeth. This remarkable companionship is motivated by the mutual benefit both sharks and pilot fish gain from forming such a relationship. Sharks benefit from clean teeth, preventing them from getting parasites. In return, the pilot fish gain the benefits of food and protection.
Conversely, there are parasitic relationships in nature. These relationships have only one benefactor. A flea is a parasite to a dog. It robs a dog of its nutrients while causing undesirable consequences such as itchy skin. Thus, the parasite benefits while simultaneously causing harm to the dog.
Observing the fascinating pairing of what seems like two incompatible species can provide us with a blueprint for establishing our own relationships as humans. Imagine the benefits if individuals were to apply the concept of symbiosis in their daily interactions and long-term relationships. Such application is likely to lead to more unity. Further, individuals are more likely to feel that they are treated more fairly, given the mutual benefits they would receive from compromise.
How are symbiotic relationships achieved? Sometimes it can be quite a daunting task to figure a way to work out a mutually benefitting solution. The good news is if a pilot fish can learn to trust a shark to not eat it, a human can learn to trust the process of compromise. A good start is to accept the fact that we cannot force others to think or act the same way as us. It probably would not go well for pilot fish to demand sharks to act more like them. Nor would it make sense. It is their differences-not their similarities-that make their relationship so advantageous. The small size of the pilot fish enables them to be able to fit inside the mouth of the shark while the large size of the shark offers protection to the pilot fish from predators. Thus, we need to figure out how to allow a person’s differences to become a strength rather than a stumbling block.
Second, recognize that agreement is not a prerequisite to respect. I bet most people at some time or another have been accused of being closed-minded because they didn’t agree with someone. Maybe some people are closed-minded, but I think the majority are not. Our life experiences shape our beliefs. It is likely that no two people think the same since no two people share the same experience. Although it is nice to have others agree with us, we shouldn’t feel disrespected when others don’t agree. We can, however, respect others by making a concerted effort to listen better to them, especially when there is disagreement.
Third, it is important to recognize that the cost of unity is high. Unity takes time, effort, and sacrifice. The problem is it is much easier and less time consuming to compel or persuade others to conform to one’s beliefs rather than finding a solution that is mutually beneficial. Sometimes it is in the best interest of everyone to adopt a “quick fix” approach. However, this should never be the standard. Adopting one “quick fix” after another can drain an individual in a similar way a flea drains a dog of its nutrients, especially if it is the same side doing all the compromising.
In sum, humans can learn a lot about the importance of achieving unity by observing symbiotic relationships in nature. If seemingly opposite species can find ways to work together to accomplish a purpose, so can members of our society. With effort, individuals can create stronger bonds, which, in turn, will build better neighborhoods and communities.