Have you noticed how some animals cooperate with each other? For instance, when my sister’s two female cats had kittens at the same time, they nursed each other’s kittens. Also, some birds will take turns sitting on their nests while their mates search for food. Likewise, certain packs of animals will cooperate in hunting where some will distract the prey while others get into optimal positions to attack.
Sports teams cooperate to win the game. Musicians in a band or orchestra must cooperate to create that beautiful sound. Members of casts cooperate to make the movie or play succeed.
One of my childhood experiences of cooperation occurred when my sister, brother and I were hiking. My brother tossed some rocks which shattered and a sharp piece flew into my leg and made a large and very painful gash. My sister tried to stop the bleeding; however, I could not walk because of the pain. Sizing up the situation, both of my siblings cooperated to form a chair with their interlocking arms to carry me home.
Discussion: Can you think of times when you cooperated or observed cooperation? Is cooperation prevalent, useful, or necessary? Why do some people refuse to cooperate to help create a better place for all? How does cooperation apply in relationships?