Great Apes Wisdom Passed Down from One Generation to the Next – Step 5

A gorilla silverback majestically holding a stick

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From Rose – “In a time of COVID, loneliness is one of the most prevalent emotions … . Recently, I melded the two worlds together and now my online friends are friends with my school friends, and to see the possibilities of the internet and create a community of my friends during this time brought a lot of security and strength to me.”

~~~

How have you felt strength and security from the company of others, lately?

Why do people become stronger when they help and support each other instead of being alone?

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Sia – Together (The Tonight Show: At Home Edition) (2:00)

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2:41)

A Lawson Native American Wood Flute Meditation (9;25)

The wisdom in today’s SFZs highlights strength in unity. It Works, How & Why shows members supporting one another through small, practical acts. This recalls Aristotle, who in Politics argued that humans thrive in community. He believed cooperation makes life meaningful and sustainable.

Furthermore, the 12 & 12 reminds us that presence itself carries healing power. Listening can support others as deeply as speaking. Martin Buber, in I and Thou, explained that real dialogue requires openness and respect. His insight matches the idea that simply showing up creates hope.

Finally, William Collins’ poetry adds beauty to these principles. “In numbers warmly pure and sweetly strong” conveys the gentle strength of fellowship. Similarly, Émile Durkheim, in The Division of Labor in Society, stressed that collective bonds hold societies together. Both thinkers affirm that togetherness prevents isolation and despair.

Taken together, this SFZ affirms a timeless truth: community transforms individuals. Through shared tasks, attentive presence, and collective spirit, people grow stronger than they could alone. Strength does not come from dominance, but from care, solidarity, and shared responsibility.

If apes pass wisdom across generations, humans must also preserve lessons of compassion and cooperation. These writings remind us that every act of kindness, whether greeting at a door or offering literature, creates lasting connections. The whole becomes greater than the parts.

Traducción en Español

1. Citas

MUCHOS PALOS UNIDOS
SON MÁS FUERTES QUE
UNO SOLO –

“Los miembros pueden
hacer muchas cosas para
promover nuestro propósito
principal. Por ejemplo,
mostramos nuestro cuidado y
nuestra disposición a ayudar al
turnarnos para saludar a las personas en
la puerta, preparar listas de
números telefónicos para dis-
tribuir, u ofrecer paque-
tes de literatura a los nue-
vos.” (Funciona, Cómo y Por Qué,
p. 120)

EL MENSAJE TIENE MUCHAS CARAS –

“Y este no es el
único tipo de trabajo
del Duodécimo Paso. Nos sentamos en
reuniones y escuchamos, no solo
para recibir algo noso-
tros mismos, sino para dar la
tranquilidad y el apo-
yo que nuestra pre-
sencia puede traer.”
(12 y 12, p.
110)

“En número cálido
puro y dulcemente fuerte.”

– William Collins (1721 – 1759),
poeta inglés

2. Análisis

La sabiduría en estos pasajes muestra la fuerza en la unidad. Funciona, Cómo y Por Qué enseña cómo los miembros se apoyan con actos sencillos. Esto recuerda a Aristóteles, quien en Política afirmó que los humanos prosperan en comunidad.

Además, 12 y 12 nos recuerda que la presencia misma lleva poder sanador. Escuchar puede sostener tanto como hablar. Martin Buber, en Yo y Tú, explicó que el diálogo real exige apertura y respeto. Su visión coincide con la idea de que solo estar presentes genera esperanza.

Finalmente, la poesía de William Collins aporta belleza a estos principios. “En número cálido puro y dulcemente fuerte” expresa la fuerza suave de la unión. De manera similar, Émile Durkheim, en La división del trabajo social, afirmó que los lazos colectivos sostienen a las sociedades. Ambos pensadores confirman que la unión previene el aislamiento.

En conjunto, estos textos confirman una verdad eterna: la comunidad transforma a las personas. A través de tareas compartidas, presencia atenta y espíritu colectivo, las personas se hacen más fuertes.

3. Pregunta

¿Por qué las personas se vuelven más fuertes cuando se ayudan y apoyan en lugar de estar solas?

Comments

6 responses to “Great Apes Wisdom Passed Down from One Generation to the Next – Step 5”

August 31, 2025

Eli🌱🫶🏾🫡🪱

Being with others has made me feel wanted and needed. People validate each other’s existence. It’s only solitude when you have the option to step outside of yourself too- and take that opportunity often.

Reply
August 29, 2025

Sabrina J

We are social and need each other to feel connected, needed, part of something and with purpose. Helping others and participating in community are a major part of fulfilling those basic human needs.

Thank you for sharing recovery with me. Grateful.

Reply
August 29, 2025

E-Dawg

I can find strength and security from others By staying in the middle of the herd.
Being trustworthy for others. Finding the right Fellowship is key there’s power in the AA groups. Regardless of who we are, what we have done, we are accepted. Our addiction gives us a common ground for understanding one another!

Reply
September 1, 2020

Joel Relampagos

Change Your Algorithm is a mental wellness program that believes in the power of community. How have you found healing in yours?

Reply
August 29, 2020

Rose

In a time of COVID, loneliness is one of the most prevalent emotions because if you don’t have any loved ones, family, nor friends who live with you, your ability to see them and interact with them is under strict regulations. This provides problems on so many different levels because as social creatures, we need to see and interact with others from time to time, and that is the beauty of the internet. I already had a plethora of friends who strictly lived online for me, but those who went to my school began to use the internet based apps like Discord so we can talk and chat on a regular basis again. Recently, I melded the two worlds together and now my online friends are friends with my school friends, and to see the possibilities of the internet and create a community of my friends during this time brought a lot of security and strength to me. I now have a huge melting pot of people who I love and care for and who love and care about me fight at my fingertips, and while I will admit I used to very selective of who i’d introduce my friends to, however, it is now more important than ever for people to have large communities where all can feel safe and loved, which I am proud to provide not only for myself but all my friends.

Reply
August 24, 2012

Margot E.

Sometimes I sit in a meeting and find I am unable to listen. My mind becomes very busy comparing myself to the speaker, thinking of outside issues, coming up with advice for others. If I can catch myself doing this, I work to bring my mind back to the present and listen especially hard for the lessons I am trying to avoid.

Reply