The Myth & Lie That You Are Independent. No!!! You Are NOT!!!

The myth and lie of independence are often perpetuated by cultural values and individualistic beliefs, which can lead people to overestimate their ability to succeed on their own without the help of others. In reality, our lives are shaped by a complex web of relationships and connections with others.

Human beings are interdependent and not completely independent. We rely on each other for various aspects of our lives, including emotional support, social interaction, and economic exchange. For example:

1. Social interdependence: People rely on each other for emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. For example, families, friends, and communities provide support and resources, such as help with childcare or financial assistance, that individuals might not be able to access on their own.

2. Economic interdependence: Businesses rely on each other for goods and services. For example, a clothing manufacturer might purchase fabric from a textile company to make its products. Both companies are dependent on each other for their success.

3. Ecological interdependence: Different species in an ecosystem rely on each other for survival. For example, plants provide food and oxygen for herbivores and carnivores, and carnivores control herbivore populations. The loss of one species can have a ripple effect on the entire ecosystem.

4. Global interdependence: Countries rely on each other for goods, resources, and support. For example, a country might import oil from another country to meet its energy needs, while the exporting country relies on the revenue generated from oil exports to support its own economy.

We all rely on each other and the resources and systems that support us in various ways. For example, in society, we depend on each other for support, resources, goods, and services. Similarly, in nature, different species rely on each other to maintain balance in ecosystems. Interdependence can be seen as a positive aspect, as it creates opportunities for cooperation, collaboration, and mutual support. At the same time, it also highlights the need for us to work together to address shared challenges and ensure the well-being of individuals, communities, and the planet as a whole.

Let us look into real-life examples:

Emotional Interdependence: Research shows that humans are deeply interconnected emotionally. A study published in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience found that when we see others experiencing emotions, such as happiness, sadness, or fear, the same areas of our brains light up as if we were experiencing those emotions ourselves (1). This suggests that our emotional responses are deeply connected to the emotions of those around us.

Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that our social connections play a significant role in our overall happiness and well-being. The study followed participants over time and found that those with strong social connections were happier, healthier, and lived longer than those who were more isolated (2).

Economic Interdependence: Humans are also deeply interconnected economically. A study published in the journal Nature found that the global economy is highly interconnected, with a small number of companies controlling a large percentage of the world's wealth and resources (3). This means that the success or failure of one company can have ripple effects throughout the entire system.

In addition, research has shown that economic inequality has negative impacts on overall societal well-being. A study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine found that higher levels of income inequality were associated with higher rates of mental illness, crime, and obesity, as well as lower life expectancy and overall well-being (4).

Interdependence in Healthcare: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the ways in which humans are deeply interconnected when it comes to healthcare. The virus has spread rapidly across the globe, and countries have had to work together to share information and resources in order to contain its spread.

In addition, research has shown that health outcomes are deeply interconnected across communities. A study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that health disparities between different racial and socioeconomic groups are largely driven by structural inequalities, such as access to healthcare, education, and employment (5). This suggests that addressing these inequalities requires a collective effort, rather than individual actions.

Recognizing our interdependence can help us appreciate the importance of building strong, supportive communities, and working together to address the challenges we face. It can also encourage us to cultivate empathy and compassion for others, as we understand that we all rely on each other to some degree. Spirituality involves interdependence and connectedness with something greater than oneself. Here are a few examples:

1. Religious interdependence: Many religious communities view themselves as part of a larger spiritual community and believe in a divine power that pervades the universe. For example, in Hinduism, the concept of "Brahman" encompasses the idea of an all-encompassing, interconnected divine force that permeates all of reality.

2. Interdependence with nature: Some spiritual traditions view the natural world as interconnected and sacred. For example, in many indigenous cultures, the natural environment is seen as an integral part of a larger spiritual whole, and humans are seen as interconnected with, rather than separate from, the natural world.

3. Interdependence with others: Some spiritual traditions emphasize the importance of compassion, kindness, and serving others as a means of connecting with a higher power. For example, in Buddhism, the practice of "loving-kindness" (metta) involves cultivating feelings of love and compassion for oneself and others as a way of promoting inner peace and connectedness with the divine.

Overall, all the research, studies and real-life examples illustrate that humans are deeply interconnected and interdependent. Whether it's our emotional connections, our economic systems, or our healthcare outcomes, our lives are deeply intertwined with those of others. Recognizing this interdependence can help us build stronger, more resilient communities and work together to address the challenges we face.

By experiencing this interconnectedness, people can develop a greater sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfilment in their lives.

References:

1. Immordino-Yang, M. H., Christodoulou, J. A., & Singh, V. (2012). Rest is not idleness: Implications of the brain's default mode for human development and education. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 7(4), 352-364.

2. Diener, E., & Seligman, M. E. (2002). Very happy people. Psychological Science, 13(1), 81-84.

3. Vitali, S., Glattfelder, J.1 B., & Battiston, S. (2011). The network of global corporate control. PloS one, 6(10), e25995.

4. Wilkinson, R. G., & Pickett, K. (2017). The enemy between us: The psychological and social costs of inequality. Social Science & Medicine, 47, 4-20.

5. Phelan, J. C., Link, B. G., & Tehranifar, P. (2010). Social conditions as fundamental causes of health inequalities: Theory, evidence, and policy implications. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 51(S), S28-S40.