A Part, or Apart?

Here’s a lesson that I think I’ve learned:

                  In most all cases, it’s better to be

a part than to be apart.

Over the past several years, integration has caught my attention - not just racial or social integration, as important as they may be. What I’ve discovered is that, throughout the universe, there are countless examples of integration as the process that gives otherwise separate entities value, meaning and life. 

Now, that may come across as a pretty sweeping and abstract perception. But, I think it’s real, and really important. 

What do I mean by “integration?” Well, let’s start with a dictionary definition. Here’s what Marriam-Webster says: “to form, coordinate, or blend into a functioning or unified whole.’

You might call it positive interaction. I think of it as the way in which separate entities give - and are given - value. Or, simply, collaboration.

Here are just a few examples – 

All vehicles – the synergy of numerous on-board components and systems to work in concert, making cars, trucks, ships, airplanes and spacecraft viable 

Music – the arrangement of 88 notes to compose all of the world’s unique etudes, songs, duets, jazz, symphonies and operas

Writing  and speech – the combination of just 26 letters (in the case of English) to produce all words, articles,  newspapers, magazines and books

Chemistry - the combining of distinctive elements to produce unique substances and materials

Conception – combining two entities (egg and sperm) to produce a live being

Human organization – bringing together individual people to function in a manner in which no one individual could function alone

Using these as a mere start, I’d bet that you can name many more. 

The process of integration is very much alive and well in all branches of science and nature - always has been and always will be. 

So, when we think of ways to create and improve anything, let’s first think of unique and expanded ways to use the power of integration, not isolation, regardless of the endeavor’s size and purpose.

PS – I’ve become an informal student of integration. Depending on your expressed interest, I’ll offer some of what I’m learning in upcoming posts.