Lessons from Wild Animals: Teamwork and Humility

I grew up in the wild, surrounded by nature and its teachings. While I admired the tenacity of squirrels, the ability of possums to play, and the owl's night vision, nature's messages were not always easy to interpret. Much of what I learned in life was experienced during more lucid moments, away from the haze of substance abuse. Although my life on the 'upside' of being stoned was significant, the impressions of the world I gathered in those times deeply influenced my perspective.

The Deer Encounter and Life's Lessons

Deer were a common sight in my backyard, especially early mornings. My brother taught me, 'There is no hunting season for a deer with a knife at night.' Curious, my little brother and I decided to explore this theory. We stalked behind the chicken coop, then under the trampoline. Our attempts to get closer to the deer were met with their alertness and the realization that humans could indeed be easy prey, especially for deer with antlers. This taught me a profound lesson: most animals have the capacity to ruin your day if they really want to.

The Value of Teamwork

Observations from the animal kingdom extend beyond the immediate survival lessons. For instance, researchers from the University of Vienna conducted an experiment to compare the cooperative abilities of wolves and dogs. In the experiment, food was placed on a tray, and pairs of wolves and dogs had to pull ropes to open it. Five out of seven pairs of wolves tackled the task without needing training, whereas only one out of eight pairs of dogs managed to coordinate. This highlights the inherent teamwork that wolves possess, as they hunt in packs for food in the wild.

The Significance of Humility

These observations led me to a life lesson: big ambitions and large egos cannot go hand in hand. The wolves, with their pack mentality, work cohesively for survival. In contrast, dogs, without the need to hunt, can thrive on their own or in smaller, less structured groups. This experiment underscores the necessity of humility and teamwork—qualities often lacking in humans driven by individual ambitions.

My journey of self-discovery and the lessons from nature have taught me to value collaboration and humility. By embracing these qualities, one can approach challenges with a more productive and less egotistical mindset. These lessons have been instrumental in my growth and continue to shape my outlook on life.