A shift in perspective is taking place among biologists and ecologists — a change in how we view the world that has significant implications for politicians, business leaders and all of us.
We tend to think of life as a process of competition and survival of the fittest. We think nature is “red in tooth and claw.” But it is not — or at least, it is not only that. Darwin was right, in part. As I argue in my new book “Togetherness,” competition is a fundamental process in nature, but cooperation and symbiosis are at least as important.
In Japan, this way of thinking has long been valued. Japanese society is often described as collectivist, emphasizing group harmony and consensus over individual preference. This emphasis is captured in the concept of wa, or harmony, which has long influenced Japanese social and cultural life.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.