When I see ants it is usually just one or two at time, but this belies the reality of their situation. Each time I cut my lawn I am reminded that ants function as parts of a whole. They quickly organize and rebuild their nest even though I have only slightly disturbed it. They cannot and do not survive as individuals; they survive as members of a group, and the group’s survival is the implicit goal of each individual’s life. Often humans, on the other hand, strongly value individuality and do not always recognize that much of what is achieved is achieved together. If we look closer at these amazing creatures, we can learn valuable lessons about how much we can achieve when we band together with others to work for a mutual purpose.
Most ants have highly specified roles within their communities, some of which are biologically dictated, and they work within the confines of their roles and their purpose in their community. In this way, they symbolize self-knowledge and uniqueness or individuality. They also display selfless service as they work for the common goal (rebuilding the nest). In many ways ants personify the ability to see their own capabilities and beyond to one’s place and role within the community. They have the ability to serve the community and themselves at the same time. Ants can inspire us to fully own what we have to offer and to put it to use in the pursuit of a common goal. Each one of us has certain talents we were born with, as well as expertise and skills we have acquired. When we apply these talents and abilities, knowing that we are working within a community to mutual benefit, we honour some of the lessons of the ants.