“All Nature is linked together by invisible bonds and every organic creature, however low, however feeble, however dependent, is necessary to the well-being of some other among the myriad forms of life.”
– George Perkins Marsh
Humans are social creatures, and, for the most part, we flourish from working cooperatively and forming partnerships. A kind neighbour can be a godsend when planning a vacation, acting as pet feeder, gardener, and home surveillance all in one. Life is made easier, and more is possible, when we work together.
‘Symbiosis’ is a term used in biology, referring to close associations between two or more species. Symbiotic relationships can be beneficial for both parties (mutualism), beneficial for one party while the other is neither helped nor harmed (commensalism), or harmful in that one party benefits at the expense of another (parasitism).
In human relationships, clearly mutualism – meaning everyone flourishes – is the optimal arrangement. When I flourish, you flourish – and we both flourish more than had we not formed the partnership at all. If you diligently water the roses when your neighbour is out of town, and vice versa, then you have a mutualistic relationship. But if you refuse to do your bit when asked, then in biological terms, you are a parasite (you derive benefits at your host’s expense). In human relationships, parasitic relationships can happen within the family, at work, and in the community – exploitative, one-sided relationships, where one person flourishes while the other suffers.
A good example of mutualistic partnerships is the happy union between termites and fungi. Within termite colonies, located deep underground, fungi live in specialised chambers maintained by termites who constantly feed them. The plant material and faecal matter brought in by the termites is subsequently broken down by fungi into nutrient-rich mushrooms, which the termites eat in turn. Magnificent mushroom gardens are created by this mutualistic dance between termite and fungi.
All human relationships, and even business structures, can leverage from symbiotic mutualism – a situation where a positive feedback loop can amplify the conditions for flourishing.
From the 'Flourishing' edition of New Philosopher, which you can purchase in digital or print editions from our online store.
