What does cooperation mean to you? How are dependence and interdependence different? Despite our divisions, are you ever amazed at how far we’ve come?

Join me, if you will, in pondering almost any modern convenience that we take for granted. If you follow the chain back far enough, it all began somewhere, with someone, noticing a problem and putting their mind to it.

You can imagine some prehistoric person dragging a load of firewood or some other burden from place to place when they flashed upon the idea of somehow coming up with a wheel. Whether it was a piece of a log, or a conveniently shaped stone, or some other cylindrical item, we will never know.

No matter what it is, it probably started with one person, who then solved the problem for someone else, after which the idea caught on. After the very first wheel proved it’s utility, you can imagine the excitement around every innovation.

What if we put two of them together using an axle? Perhaps we could make them bigger and lighter using spokes? How about putting them on rails or figuring out a way to steer them?

Every innovation began with an interaction between two people. Either one of them could’ve been exactly like you. These enormous systems of invention start with a single idea that morphs, link by link, into massive chains of cooperation that comprise what we call civilization.

I suppose it’s only natural for we humans to focus on what’s not working. Our news of the day is filled with divisions and symptoms of the breakdown where things have gone wrong. Occasionally, it seems, technological innovation is pursued solely for its own sake. Things are built for problems that don’t exist. Just because we can make something doesn’t always mean that we should.

In spite of all that, our modern world never ceases to amaze. Last night, I found myself struck by a sense of awe as I squeezed myself into the tiniest shower I’ve ever seen in a hotel room in Paris. The hot water was soft, luxurious, and abundant.

To ponder every human link in the chain that began way back in the middle ages when Paris was but a village was enough to boggle my mind. Once upon a time the idea of even having cold running water delivered directly to one’s domicile would have been the pinnacle of luxury.

And yet here I showered. A privilege afforded to millions of other modern Parisians, and most often likely taken for granted. Hot, soapy, and clean at the turn of a tap. What probably began with some royal in a château has been brought to the masses, one pipe and faucet at a time. Astonishing, really, that so much cooperation can deliver so much value.

You can pretty much unpack any modern convenience that we take for granted until you see an endless chain of individuals all doing their part in the dance that got us to where we are today. From systems so big that they’re practically invisible wallpaper to the single person, just like you and I, that decided to solve a problem, help out another person, and contribute in some small tangible way.

To me, it’s encouraging. One might even say that humanity is fractal. From personal contribution to societal innovation, we all find ourselves with opportunities to do our part. As dancers working at the intersection of somatics and consciousness, we have a valuable perspective to offer in this rapidly evolving age of information.

Because just as every link has brought us to where we are today, the chain unspools towards a world that is yet to be seen. Within that, you and I build the future, one aha moment at a time.

Imagining with optimism, innovating with love, and contributing with kindness. The link you hold in your hands is the most important one of all.

Much love till next Monday!!

Merci et à bientôt!

M+

ML #676

Mark Metz
Monday Love Movement Calendar