The impulse to connect arises naturally in human beings

The impulse to connect arises naturally in human beings, as is clearly visible in us when we are children. Later, as we become adults, this ability is eroded by doubts, fears, and suspicions. For example, if there are two families living in an apartment building and each has a young child, the parents might pass each other in the lobby without exchanging a single word or even making eye contact, but the children will undoubtedly acknowledge each other when they meet. If a small child in front of the building spots another at a window on an upper floor, she may spontaneously wave, and the other child will wave back.

I have heard of a research study done on interaction in elevators between strangers, both human and chimpanzee. An adult human was told to take the elevator to the ground floor. On their way down, the elevator stopped on an intervening floor and another person stepped in and pressed the button for another intervening floor. The person in the elevator first often displayed agitation and certainly had no smile or word of greeting to spare for the person slowing them down in this way, even though they were sharing a small space. Yet when the experiment was done with two chimpanzees, when the chimpanzees suddenly found themselves in the same elevator, they expressed delight at meeting another of their kind and joyfully embraced one another. The human beings were also meeting another of their kind and, even more than chimpanzees, were equipped with the capacity to recognize that fact. We humans have so much in common and easily feel connected when we are young. But we often do not manage to retain the ability to feel spontaneously close to others as we grow older. ~ 17th Karmapa

Comments

  1. Jayesh Thakkar

    December 26, 2020

    It is said that man is a social animal and contradictory between Darwin theory of survival for the fittest and a human society provides protection to every class and member of its own in normal circumstances but side effect of modern education system, style of living and over ambitious nature of human creates such difference between the rest of the living beings.
    Yesterday the establishment was closed in evening on the eve of Christmas and as a result I and rest of the staff members got the enough rest . Take care good morning from here Jen.

  2. Jendhamuni

    December 26, 2020

    Glad to hear you got some rest finally Jayesh. Hope you get to enjoy the rest of the weekend.

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