Why Wolves?
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From childhood tales like Little Red Riding Hood and Three Little Pigs, we form opinions and preconceptions about wolves. Why do wolves, among all creatures, hold such a captivating place in our imaginations?
Could immersing ourselves in their world offer us a fresh perspective on our own existence? Is it possible that these majestic creatures hold the key to unlocking our ability to thrive in the modern world?
To answer this question, we need to start with two, intertwined, stories. That of the wolf and that of the human.
Around 100,000 years ago, the first evidence of wolves working in close proximity to humans emerged, suggesting a fascinating co-evolution. Unlike typical interdependent relationships, wolves and humans developed a bond rooted in collaboration, mutual respect and learning. Both species, being successful predators, observed and emulated each other’s techniques, refining their abilities to thrive.
Our primate ancestors, initially focused on dominance and strength, learned the value of collaboration from the sociable and connected wolf families. This relationship is immortalised in cave paintings and echoed in the stories of indigenous people and ancient myths, portraying wolves as great teachers and companions.
As time passed, around 40,000 years ago, humans began to evolve and develop farming practices, manipulating the environment in more significant ways. This shift created a divergence between humans and wolves. Some wolves chose to stay with the evolving humans, eventually becoming the domesticated dogs we know today, while others remained in the wild, living in harmony with nature.
We humans were true masters of invention, crafting tools and technology to ease our everyday existence. We harnessed our environment, bending the Earth’s resources to our will. Whilst our achievements cannot be denied, somewhere in that rush towards progress we set down that part of our own operating manual that enables us to thrive.
We are literally the only species on the planet that now actively creates an environment around ourselves that not only hinders our ability to thrive but subjects us to acute and unnecessary stress.
The Tipping Point: Embracing a New Way of Being
We live in extraordinary times, the rate of progress is faster than it has ever been. A recent analysis of the history of technology shows that technological change is exponential, contrary to the common-sense “intuitive linear” view. At today’s (ever-increasing) rate of change, we won’t experience 100 years of progress in the 21st century — it will be more like 20,000 years of progress. Imagine the vast difference: what once took a century now happens in mere months. We used to have time to catch up and familiarise ourselves with technological change as it happened – now it is no longer enough to know just a little more than others to stay ahead. We need to find a different way of working.
This relentless progress leaves us feeling overworked, overstimulated, and overwhelmed. Despite ticking all the boxes of ‘success’, we find ourselves unfulfilled, unhealthy, and unhappy. The incidence of stress-related diseases is on the rise, and mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent across all age groups. So, what can we do to bridge this gap.
We can’t just keep working harder – there comes a point where there’s nothing else to give. We need a smarter way forward. The answer to increased productivity lies in collaboration and self-actualisation. We must relearn our own operating manuals, to understand and nurture our full potential. Think of your body as a sophisticated smartphone, that you’re only currently only using for texting, but is capable of so much more. By tuning into our innate capabilities, we can unlock incredible possibilities.
So, we now stand at a tipping point, where the pressure to evolve is immense, yet the solution is surprisingly instinctual. We need to reconnect with our environment and reclaim the wisdom we’ve lost in our relentless pursuit of progress.
Luckily for us, while the progress of humans has marginalised the wolf in our modern world, those wolves who have survived have passed down through their generations the knowledge of not only their ancestors but clues to our own, giving us the opportunity to rediscover the missing pieces within ourselves. This journey is not about adding more burdens but about shedding them, allowing for a return to our authentic, resilient selves. By doing so, we can thrive, finding a more impactful way to be productive without pushing harder.
This insight hold the key to effective leadership, developing natural resilience, effective team building and sustainable innovation.
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