Communication
Human beings are technically an animal species. Maybe that thought hasn’t occurred to some of you before, but we’re an animal. We may be vastly different that most animals you know, who either swim or walk on four legs, but for the most part we meet all the criteria that make animals animals. What’s more interesting than researching the development of the modern man from animal to God’s chosen species with dominion over other animals? Learning what makes us so unique. You could attribute our uniqueness to the human tendency to abstract thought, art, depth and range of emotion, or even our reliance on technology. Believe it or not, many animals rely on simple machines to crack open their food, woo potential mates, or ward off enemies. What makes humans so incredibly unique is their ability to communicate in ways no other living creature can.
Cave paintings span the centuries originating deep in the past of mankind. Many scholars believe that cave paintings represented tribal history or the need for food or supplies rather than any artistic expression that we would be familiar with today. It wasn’t until much later that we as a people began to appreciate more concrete art. The concept of storytelling was a much beloved tradition, however, that was the sole concern of many tribal leaders. They would memorize the entirety of their history or fabricate tales about existence for anyone who would listen. Language became much more common and prominent once people moved from hunter-gatherers to farmers and developed their own cities. At this point, communication was essential; essential not only between the tribesmen, but between other tribes, too, who might want to trade or attack. From there, language developed across the globe into unique dialects and tongues. It wasn’t until Gutenberg's printing press that we began to see the rapid distribution of written materials. It’s strange to imagine a world like that, when we ourselves rely so much on the influx of communication today.
It’s vital to know what’s going on around you and part of that stems from the need for self-preservation. It’s good to be aware of the world so you know what to expect. Communication is also essential in relationships, both personal and business. When you’re working, the people around you should know what you’re working on, that way they know how to support you or know when to work on something else. If you’re working against a deadline, you know how to communicate that to your boss to make amends or preparations for a rush delivery. When you’re in a relationship, that communication plays a different but equally pivotal role. Communication establishes a balance between emotion and logic that determines the flow of connectivity. You know when your partner is upset and how to talk to your partner (usually to avoid upsetting them). Knowing what words to use and how to use them is an art in and of itself. Be careful with your words, you never know how much weight they might carry.
