Michael Laitman on the Times of Israel: “What Can We Learn from Ants and Their Colonies?”
Scientists from Rockefeller University conducted research on how ants behave in extremely high temperatures. The findings revealed a fascinating aspect of ant behavior. When an individual ant in a group senses the rising temperature beneath, it appears to carry on as if unaffected. It continues on its course without interruption, maintaining its determined path until the entire colony collectively changes direction. The ants collectively make decisions, showing a remarkable level of trust in the collective mind.
The question is: can humans apply this concept of unified decision-making to their own lives? Is it even possible for humans to reach a similar state of trust and unity with one another? The answer, as it turns out, is not so simple. Achieving such a state requires significant inner work and is not something that takes place instinctively, like the coordinated movements of ants, birds or fish.
In the case of such animals, their synchronized actions are instinctive. In contrast, for humans, reaching a state of collective unity and trust necessitates conscious effort and intention. It is a different kind of unity.
The idea of humans achieving a state where they feel connected to each other as if they exist in “one breath” is indeed a goal to strive for. However, such unity comes about through a deliberate process. It involves aligning our requests and demands in congruence with the integral laws of nature.
Nature’s laws develop everyone and everything to higher states of unification. When we reach a state of unification among each other and nature, self-aimed concerns dissipate as we fully immerse ourselves in the unified consciousness.
This state of unity with the laws of nature applies to everyone, and it results in the formation of a single body and heart, much like the synchronized movements of ants, birds or fish. However, unlike animals that act instinctively, humans require the involvement of nature’s laws to activate their unity.
The question then arises: why do we witness these synchronized behaviors in the animal kingdom? Is it meant for humans to see and possibly envy these creatures? The purpose behind observing these natural phenomena is to illustrate the possibility of achieving a state of adhesion, a complete state of unification where individuals willingly annul their egoism for the collective good.
Ultimately, humanity’s final destination is to reach that unified state, even though we are egoists by nature, where we wish to enjoy ourselves at the expense of others and nature. It is through overcoming these innate tendencies and embracing unity with others that we can find true happiness and fulfillment. In a sense, the existence of our egoism creates the backdrop against which we experience the joy of aligning ourselves with nature’s laws and being together with everyone.
This state of unity does not eliminate the presence of the human ego—the desire to enjoy at the expense of others—but it lets individuals rise above it. The ego remains, but love and connection override the ego. As it is said, “Love will cover all crimes,” indicating that egoism must persist beneath the surface, with connection and love prevailing above it.
Humans are indeed different from ants because we can experience happiness and revelation. Unlike ants, whose actions are driven solely by instinct, our ability to experience pleasure and happiness hinges on our ability to overcome our self-aimed drives and embrace unity. It is through such conscious effort that we can achieve true happiness.
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Question: How did it happen that Rabbi Shimon and his son Elazar, who hid in a cave for 13 years, attained all spiritual levels?
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