This We Believe
This We Believe
The Need for Connection
Dr. Barbara Clark (2009-03-25)
LEXINGTON, KY (WEKU) - We have an innate need and capacity for connection. I believe this is not just a human trait but occurs in all animal creatures, and is fundamental. There has been recent attention to an earlier observation that a certain kind of one-celled bacteria lights up when in the presence of another "individual" of the same kind. This brings connection down to the one-cell level. All through the animal kingdom there is the tendency for individuals to seek the company of their own kind. Of course for reproductive purposes, this is a necessity. Other advantages may be gained, however, such as safety in numbers and easier food gathering. We see examples everywhere: clouds of gnats, schools of fish, colonies of insects, flocks of birds, herds of hoofed animals, packs of wolves, prides of lions, pods of whales - and so on. In warm blooded animals loners are the exception; connection is the rule. There are even examples that cross the species line - most notably, humans' love for pets and its apparent reciprocal.

In humans I believe that the need for connection is inborn, as it also seems to be in all animals. Human cultural societies differ in how highly this trait is valued and encouraged. In our society and at this present time, I believe, we have mistakenly devalued and discouraged this trait. Individuality is being fostered at the expense of an appreciation if of interdependence and empathy. We know now that premature infants thrive better if they are touched and stroked. But term infants are put in beds and rooms of their own as soon as possible. And now because of fear of sexual molestation psychologists advise against allowing children to get in bed with parents, even briefly, and advise teachers never to hug their pupils. Yes, there are perverts in our midst but we have gone too far in physically isolating our children. There is danger that they will grow up unable to relate warmly to others and will, instead, become selfish, self-centered adults, devoid of real affection or empathy.

I believe that divorce, juvenile crime, and other social ills could be prevented by allowing the connection that we as humans crave and need in order to thrive.
 © Copyright 2012, WEKU
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