What We Can Learn From Animals
We tend to think that humans are different from animals and we believe that it is our responsibility to teach them things. But the opposite is actually true! The lessons we can learn from our pets and other animals are incredibly valuable.
If you have a dog or a cat at home, it might be easier to imagine what they might teach you. However, the animal kingdom holds many hidden lessons. Do you want to know what these are? Cows, hamsters, geese, and salmon are just some of the teachers included in this article.
The company of dogs
Dogs are the closest animals to us and we can learn a lot from their attitudes and way of life. After all, a dog is not called “man’s best friend” for nothing.
First , we can learn a lot about loyalty and companionship from dogs. Most dogs will not lose sight of their owners for a second. For them there is only one boss and they will follow him day and night, even if they don’t get much attention from that person at all. You probably experience this when you come home and your best friend is waiting at the door, wagging his tail.
Once you have a dog, you will never be alone again. He will always be there for you, even if he is tired, even if it is late. If you stay up late to study or work, he will circle your feet. If you are sick, he will come to your bedside. When you watch TV, he will come to lie at your feet.
Dogs are also able to understand what is going on with you without having to use words. That’s why I say, the next time someone in your family or circle of friends feels sad, tired or overwhelmed, offer them your company, just as your dog does with you. The support you give him might just be exactly what he needs.
The wisdom of geese
If you want to learn about teamwork, take a look at the system that geese use when they fly. For starters, geese don’t fly alone, they fly in flocks, until they finally reach their destination. They also fly in a v-formation to reduce air resistance. That way they can get ahead with less effort.
When a goose briefly leaves its spot in the formation, it quickly returns to the group, realizing that it cannot fly alone. The goose that flies in front is the first to get tired, because it catches the most wind, but it is also the one who is responsible for guiding the other geese. As soon as it loses power, it moves backwards and the second goose takes over. They never argue and never make excuses; they simply adhere to the established order.
The geese in the back make noises to encourage the geese flying in front of them. If one of them gets sick or injured, it is placed between two of its friends until they reach a safe place, where they wait for the goose to either recover or die before returning to formation.
Geese teach us the importance of helping the people around us, be it our family, our friends or our colleagues. A strong support network helps us move forward together and take bigger steps.
The enthusiasm of cows
Often enough when we’re trying to learn or read something, our head screams because it’s so hard. However, once you overcome that obstacle and acquire new knowledge, you will experience a wonderful feeling that scientists call the ‘reward system’. It is the process of enjoying the satisfaction once you have achieved something.
In the case of cows, it has been proven that they become extremely enthusiastic when they achieve something. When they improve on a certain task or do something new, their heart rate goes up and their movements become faster. Every time they complete something difficult it’s like saying to themselves ‘Eureka, I did it!’
We can therefore follow the example of cows and become enthusiastic ourselves every time we achieve something. We should celebrate overcoming a difficult battle or achieving a goal. Our efforts deserve this.
The friendship of sheep and dolphins
If you thought your relationship with your best friend was the strongest in the world, it’s because you don’t know how sheep and dolphins live!
Sheep and dolphins have a great sense of friendship, something they constantly demonstrate. They are even willing to suffer or die for a friend. They make sure that no one gets tired or injured during daily activities, they feed each other and they protect each other from predators and danger.
Some animal lovers stay together for many years. Marine mammals are a good example of unconditional friendship (which is why the dolphin is also used as a symbol of true friendship). And here’s something you probably didn’t know: Humpback whales reunite with their friends when summer kicks off!
The altruism of chimpanzees
You probably know the well-known and incredible story of Tarzan, the baby who was rescued by a monkey who found him in his crib after his parents died in the jungle.
This fictional story has a kernel of truth. Primates can be extremely altruistic or generous and don’t care who or what they have to do for it. For example, they can help a frightened friend, raise a baby whose mother has died, stay by the side of an injured friend, and even show compassion for those who are suffering or near death.
What animals tell us
Before we get to the end of this story… take a look at these motivational statements that the animals would tell us if we could understand them or if they could speak Dutch. This will help you grow both personally and socially.
- “Don’t just give up.” – Salmon
- “Do daily exercise.” – Hamsters
- “Take more naps.” – Cats
- “Work hard.” – Ants
- “Do not judge or discriminate.” – Dogs
- “Take care of your children until they can do this themselves.” – Birds
—Images Courtesy of Virginia Monteverde—
